The 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has asked President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of the state of Ibadan before 2027.
He made the call during his coronation after receiving his staff of office at an event attended by Tinubu and other dignitaries, including Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, speaking at the occasion, described the emergence of Ladoja as the 44th traditional leader of the ancient city as a source of pride to the people of Ibadan.
He said, “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.”
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the coronation took place at the revered Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area. Before this, the monarch received the symbolic Akoko leaf, an essential rite of passage, at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, marking his traditional induction.
The ceremonial honour — the official presentation of the staff and instrument of office — was conducted by Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall, sealing Ladoja’s transition into his royal role.
Governor Makinde made an early return from his scheduled leave to personally attend and supervise the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
At the Oyo State House of Assembly plenary session held on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, standing in for Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, formally read and acknowledged the governor’s letter of resumption.
In October last year, SaharaReporters reported that, in an unprecedented move, a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to create new Oyo and Ibadan States passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Akeem Adeyemi, the son of the late Alaafin Adeyemi, alongside six others, seeks to create Oyo State and Ibadan State.
Details of the bill showed that Oyo State would have Oyo town as its capital, while Ibadan State would have Ibadan city as its capital.
The constitution alteration bill was passed for a second reading during same plenary.