Olubadan Urges Tinubu to Approve Ibadan State Before 2027
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the creation of an Ibadan State before the end of his first term in office.
Oba Ladoja made the call shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde during his coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch conveyed the demand of his people: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
In his goodwill message, Governor Makinde described the coronation as a proud moment for Ibadan and Oyo State, noting that the succession process to the Olubadan throne had become well structured and devoid of disputes. He prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would foster peace, unity, and development.
The colourful ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the country, 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 had earlier been performed at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on the monarch’s head before he proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official installation.
Also in attendance were senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and House of Representatives member Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.