By Muhammad Mamman
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has renewed calls for the creation of an Ibadan State, urging President Bola Tinubu to make it a reality before 2027.
Speaking in Yoruba shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday, the monarch declared: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde hailed Oba Ladoja’s coronation as a source of pride for Ibadanland, emphasising that the succession process for the Olubadan throne is now orderly and free of disputes. He prayed that the new reign would bring peace, unity, and progress to Ibadan and Oyo State.
The coronation at Mapo Hall drew prominent dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Dr Kayode Fayemi; and Donald Duke.
Earlier in the day, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on the monarch’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba. Oba Ladoja then led a grand procession to Mapo Hall for his official installation.
The new Olubadan’s entourage featured key political figures such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun, Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, and House of Representatives member Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akal
