The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State out of Oyo State.
The monarch made the appeal on Friday during his coronation ceremony in Ibadan, where Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially presented him with the staff of office.
Ladoja, who marked his 81st birthday on Thursday, said the demand reflected the position of the Olubadan-in-Council as well as the wishes of the people of Ibadanland.
“They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?” he asked, as the crowd responded in the affirmative.
The monarch then asked the audience to rise and appreciate Tinubu “in advance” for granting the request.
“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State. Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election,” he added.
State creation is one of the major issues being raised in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. Nigeria currently has 36 states spread across six geopolitical zones.
The coronation, which drew dignitaries from across the country, was attended by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Also present were former governors Donald Duke (Cross River), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano).
President Tinubu, who attended the ceremony, described the new Olubadan as “a rare gem in history,” recalling his resilience during the impeachment crisis when he served as Oyo State governor.
“Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour for me as President to witness this historic coronation. Your perseverance, determination and reliability are impeccable,” the President said.
He also assured Nigerians that the economy “has turned the corner,” promising brighter days ahead.
Makinde congratulated the new monarch, saying his coronation symbolised the unity of Ibadan’s traditional institution.
