The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to create an Ibadan State before the end of his first term in office.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde at a colourful coronation ceremony in Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, in his goodwill message, described the coronation of Oba Ladoja as a proud moment for the people of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
He noted that the succession process to the Olubadan throne is now well established and free of disputes, praying that the new monarch’s reign would usher in peace, unity, and progress.
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The event drew dignitaries from across the country, 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, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on the monarch’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the king proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
Also present were senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala of the House of Representatives, and other federal and state lawmakers.