The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State before the 2027 general elections.
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Speaking in Yoruba shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall on Friday, the newly installed monarch said his people had given him a message to deliver directly to the President.
“My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority,” Oba Ladoja declared.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described the coronation of Oba Ladoja as a moment of pride for the people of Ibadan, noting that the succession process to the Olubadan throne is now firmly established and devoid of disputes.
“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,” Makinde said.
He expressed hope that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in lasting peace, unity, and progress for Ibadanland and Oyo State.
The coronation was attended by prominent dignitaries, 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, traditional rites were performed by the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, who placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the monarch proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall.
The new Olubadan’s entourage also included top political allies such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun, former Oyo governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, and House of Representatives member Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.
Egalitarian Voice will continue to follow developments on the call for Ibadan State and other key issues from the coronation of the 44th Olubadan.
