By Charles Pemu 
IBADAN, OYO STATE – Just moments after his grand coronation, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, leveraged the national spotlight to make a direct and immediate demand to President Bola Tinubu: create Ibadan State before 2027.
Speaking from the historic Mapo Hall, where he received the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde, the new monarch, a former Governor of Oyo State, delivered his people’s message in Yoruba.
“My people sent me a message to Mr. President. Mr. President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority,” Oba Ladoja stated, making the issue the first major item on his royal agenda.
The call to action was the high point of a day filled with pomp, tradition, and political significance. Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally officiate the ceremony, celebrated Oba Ladoja’s ascension as a source of immense pride.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all,” Governor Makinde stated, adding his prayer that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in “lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland.”
The coronation proved to be a major national event, drawing an array of top dignitaries to the ancient city. President Bola Tinubu’s presence headlined a guest list that included:
- 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.
- Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
- Numerous serving Federal and state lawmakers, including Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.
Earlier in the day, the necessary traditional rites were completed, including the placement of the sacred Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head by the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, before the monarch led a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the final, official installation.