At his coronation, Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja urges President Tinubu to ensure Ibadan State creation before 2027, blending culture with political advocacy.
Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, was alive with pageantry on Friday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation drew thousands to the historic Mapo Hall, filling the ancient city with drumming, dancing, and chants of joy.
But beyond the colourful rituals and cultural celebration, the day carried a political message.
In his first speech as monarch, Oba Ladoja made a bold appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: prioritise the long-demanded Ibadan State creation before the end of his administration in 2027.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch told the crowd: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. They said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.
“Mr President, we appeal to you to make this a reality before 2027.”
His words triggered thunderous applause, with the people chanting in agreement.
The call for Ibadan State creation is decades old. Advocates argue that Ibadan’s size, population, and historical importance justify its elevation to statehood.
Supporters believe that separate state status would improve governance, bring development closer to the grassroots, and give Ibadan stronger federal representation.
By raising the issue at his coronation, Oba Ladoja gave new energy to a demand that has often stalled in Nigeria’s politics. For many indigenes, his reign could mark a turning point.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the Staff of Office, praised the monarch’s emergence as a symbol of stability.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde said.
“The succession process to the Olubadan throne is now well established and free from contestation.
“This is a source of pride for us all. It is my prayer that this reign brings peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadan and Oyo State.”
The day began with sacred rites at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba. There, Chief Waheed Popoola, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head — a symbol of ancestral acceptance and blessing.
From Oja’ba, the new monarch led a grand procession through Ibadan’s streets. Drummers, hunters, women in colourful aso-oke, and youth groups accompanied him to Mapo Hall.
The city echoed with songs of heritage, blending tradition with the anticipation of a new era.
The coronation attracted top dignitaries across the country. Among them were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke.
Political figures from Oyo State also showed strong presence. Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South), former governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, representing Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, joined the celebration.
Their attendance signaled the significance of the Olubadan throne, not just in Ibadan but nationally.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is not only a traditional ruler but also a seasoned politician. As a former Governor of Oyo State, he brings governance experience to his royal stool.
Many believe this dual background positions him uniquely to push the people’s aspirations, especially the agitation for a separate state.
His reign, observers say, may give fresh momentum to the demand for Ibadan statehood, while also fostering peace and unity in the city.
Friday’s ceremony was more than a cultural festival; it was a convergence of tradition and politics.
Cultural troupes entertained with bata drumming and dances, elders offered prayers for peace, while women sprinkled kolanuts as symbols of prosperity.
Yet, at the heart of the celebration was a reminder that Ibadan seeks more than heritage preservation.
The monarch’s message to Tinubu highlighted the community’s determination to see its dream of statehood realised.
As the coronation festivities ended, the people of Ibadan looked to the future with hope.
Many residents at Mapo Hall expressed optimism that Oba Ladoja’s reign would strengthen their call for Ibadan State. Others prayed for peace and prosperity in Oyo State under his leadership.
For now, the city stands united — celebrating its heritage, honouring its new monarch, and renewing its voice in the national conversation.
The reign of Oba Ladoja begins not only with cultural reverence but with a clear political mission: to secure the long-awaited Ibadan State creation.
