The monarch said the establishment of Ibadan State would not only honour the city’s historical significance but also accelerate development in the region.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his first term in 2027.
Oba Ladoja made the call on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Addressing a large gathering of dignitaries and residents, the monarch said the establishment of Ibadan State would not only honour the city’s historical significance but also accelerate development in the region.
“Mr. President, Ibadan deserves its own state, and we ask that this be realised before 2027,” the monarch declared to loud cheers from the crowd.
The coronation ceremony drew eminent personalities 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.
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. The monarch later embarked on a colourful procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
Political allies and representatives from Oyo State were also in attendance. They include Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South), former Oyo governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives.
Other federal and state lawmakers also joined in the festivities.