Newly crowned Oba Rashidi Ladoja uses coronation ceremony to make historic appeal for separate state status
IBADAN, Nigeria – The newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu for the creation of Ibadan State before the 2027 general elections.
New Monarch Makes His Pitch During Coronation
After receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Oba Ladoja delivered his message in Yoruba: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
The coronation ceremony drew political heavyweights from across Nigeria, turning what could have been a routine traditional succession into a platform for the decades-old statehood campaign.
Governor Makinde praised the succession process, noting that “the succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation.”
Heavy Political Presence
The guest list included Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and former governors Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Donald Duke (Cross River).
Federal lawmakers present included Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South), former gubernatorial candidate Teslim Folarin, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Representative Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (Ogbomoso North).
The ceremony followed traditional protocol. At Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, Afobaje Chief Waheed Popoola placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head before the royal procession moved to Mapo Hall.
Why Ibadan Wants Statehood
Ibadan has over three million people, making it Nigeria’s largest city by land area and third-largest by population. The city has been southwestern Nigeria’s political and economic center since pre-colonial times.
For decades, traditional rulers, politicians, and advocacy groups have argued that Ibadan’s size and economic contributions warrant separate state status. They point to the city’s role in agriculture, trade, and industry as justification.
Creating new states requires approval from at least two-thirds of both legislative chambers plus backing from affected state assemblies. Previous attempts have typically stalled in this process.
Political Implications
Ibadan State would reshape southwestern Nigeria’s political map, affecting resource allocation and federal representation. The proposed state would likely include Ibadan metropolis and surrounding local government areas currently in Oyo State.
Some analysts suggest separate statehood could bring more federal funding. Critics worry about fragmenting resources and creating administrative complications.
The timing aligns with national discussions about restructuring ahead of 2027. President Tinubu, having governed Lagos State, understands southwestern Nigeria’s political dynamics.
Governor Makinde expressed hope that the new monarch’s reign would “usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”
Oba Ladoja’s appeal shows how traditional rulers use their platforms to influence political conversations, even without constitutional power.
