The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has renewed calls for the creation of an Ibadan State.
Addressing residents after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday, the monarch urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the new state is created before 2027.
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, in his remarks, described the coronation of Oba Ladoja as a source of pride for Ibadanland, stressing that the succession process for the Olubadan stool has become orderly and free of contestation.
He prayed that the new monarch’s reign would usher in peace, unity, and progress for both Ibadan and Oyo State.
The coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall was attended by prominent dignitaries, 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.
Earlier in the day, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the new Olubadan proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official installation.
The monarch’s entourage included notable political figures such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun, former Oyo governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, and House of Representatives member Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, among other lawmakers.