The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his tenure in 2027.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal during his coronation ceremony after receiving his staff of office, in an event attended by President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other dignitaries.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described the coronation as a moment of pride for the ancient city. “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions,” he said.
The coronation rites began with the monarch receiving the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, followed by traditional induction at the revered Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East. The ceremonial presentation of the staff and instrument of office was later conducted by Governor Makinde at Mapo Hall, marking the formal transition into his royal role.
Makinde, who had been on leave, returned early to personally attend and supervise the ceremony. His resumption was formally acknowledged at Thursday’s plenary of the Oyo State House of Assembly, where Deputy Speaker Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi read the governor’s letter on behalf of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.
The call for Ibadan State comes amid ongoing legislative efforts. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed for second reading a constitutional amendment bill seeking the creation of Ibadan State and Oyo State. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Akeem Adeyemi—son of the late Alaafin of Oyo—and six others, proposes Oyo town as the capital of Oyo State and Ibadan city as the capital of Ibadan State.
The push for state creation has long been a demand of Ibadan indigenes, and the Olubadan’s coronation provided a symbolic platform to renew pressure on the Federal Government.