The newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State.
The monarch made the request on Friday during his coronation at Mapo Hall, shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking in Yoruba, Oba Ladoja said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde described the emergence of Oba Ladoja as a moment of pride for Ibadan, noting that the succession process to the throne has become peaceful and free of disputes.
“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,” Makinde said.
He prayed for Oba Ladoja’s reign to bring peace, unity, and progress to Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
The event drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
Traditional rites were earlier performed at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head before he proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall.
The new Olubadan was accompanied by political associates such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun and former Oyo State governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin. Also present were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and House of Representatives member Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.
