‘Create Ibadan State,’ Oba Ladoja Urges Tinubu At Coronation

Ibadan witnessed a historic moment on Friday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a colourful ceremony that drew dignitaries from across Nigeria. In his coronation address, the monarch renewed calls for the creation of Ibadan State, saying it was the collective desire of the city’s people and urging President Bola Tinubu to make it a reality before the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at Mapo Hall, the revered ruler asked the crowd to stand in advance appreciation of the president, adding that Ibadan was more than ready for statehood.

“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State,” he said.

“Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State — in fact, before the 2027 election.”

The demand is part of a long-standing agitation by Ibadan elites and the Olubadan-in-Council, who have argued that Nigeria’s third-largest city deserves its own state given its population, landmass, and economic contributions. Nigeria currently has 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, and state creation proposals have been a recurring feature in constitutional amendment debates.

Historic Coronation

Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the staff of office, congratulated the monarch and the people of Ibadanland, describing the event as a symbol of unity and continuity. He pledged his administration’s support for initiatives that would enhance the city’s growth and development.

President Tinubu, who attended the ceremony, praised Oba Ladoja’s resilience, recalling his tenure as Oyo governor and his battle against impeachment. “Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour for me as president to witness this historic coronation,” Tinubu said, while assuring Nigerians that “the economy has turned the corner” and promising better days ahead.

The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and Sultan of Sokoto, as well as political figures such as Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Oba Ladoja pledged to serve Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria with dedication, vowing to protect the city’s cultural heritage and promote its development.