By Ademola Adekusibe
September 26, 2026
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to create Ibadan State before 2027. During his coronation ceremony in Ibadan, Oba Ladoja conveyed the message from the people of Ibadan, emphasizing that the creation of the state is their top priority. He expressed this request in Yoruba, stating, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who presented the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja, expressed pride in the peaceful and established succession process to the Olubadan throne. He extended his congratulations to the new monarch and wished for his reign to bring lasting peace, unity, and progress to Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
The coronation ceremony was attended by notable figures, 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. The event highlighted the convergence of politics, business, and culture in the life of one of Oyo State’s most influential sons.
The call for the creation of Ibadan State reflects the aspirations of the people of Ibadan for greater political autonomy and development. It remains to be seen how President Tinubu and the federal government will respond to this request in the coming years.
