By Peter Omopo
Ibadan, September 26, 2025 — The newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his tenure in 2027.
Speaking shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall, Ladoja conveyed the collective wish of his people in a message delivered in Yoruba.
“My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority,” the monarch declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described Ladoja’s ascension as a proud moment for Ibadanland. He noted that the smooth succession process to the Olubadan throne had become a model of peace and order.
“It is a great honour to witness the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions. I pray his reign brings peace, unity, and greater progress to Ibadanland and Oyo State,” Makinde said.
The coronation ceremony drew dignitaries from across the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, former Kano State Governor 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 at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, by placing Akoko leaves on Ladoja’s head, before the monarch moved in a grand procession to Mapo Hall.
The new Olubadan’s entourage featured notable political allies, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), former Oyo governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, a member of the House of Representatives, among several state and federal lawmakers.
