BY GODWIN OBI
Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, on Friday, September 26, 2025, witnessed a historic and colourful ceremony as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State and respected statesman, was formally crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation, which took place at the iconic Mapo Hall, drew a gathering of Nigeria’s political class, eminent traditional rulers, and captains of industry. President Bola Tinubu led the Federal Government delegation to the epoch-making event, describing the new monarch as “a historical rare gem and a resilient leader whose life embodies perseverance and service.”
Call for Ibadan State
In his coronation address, Oba Ladoja reiterated the longstanding demand of the Ibadan people for the creation of a new Ibadan State out of Oyo State. Backed by the Olubadan-in-Council, the monarch seized the opportunity of Tinubu’s presence to push the age-long agitation.
“They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?” he asked the massive crowd, which roared in approval.
Oba Ladoja then turned to President Tinubu directly:
“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State. Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election.”
State creation has been a recurring theme in the clamour for restructuring Nigeria’s federal system, particularly as the National Assembly reviews the 1999 Constitution. Ibadan, with its historical influence, economic weight, and cultural identity, has long pushed for statehood.
President Tinubu’s Response
While President Tinubu stopped short of making a direct promise, he congratulated Oba Ladoja and assured Nigerians that his administration was committed to justice and equity.
“Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour for me as president to witness this historic coronation. Your perseverance, determination and reliability are impeccable,” Tinubu said, hailing the monarch’s courage during his impeachment saga as Oyo governor in 2006.
The president further assured that his government’s economic reforms were bearing fruit, declaring: “The economy has turned the corner, and brighter days lie ahead for our nation.”
A Ceremony of Unity and Grandeur
The coronation blended tradition, history, and politics. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja, pledging his administration’s continued support for Ibadan’s traditional institution.
“On behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, I congratulate all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and abroad on this glorious occasion. Today, we affirm the unity of Ibadan under the revered stool of the Olubadan,” Makinde declared.
The event drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Former governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were also in attendance, underscoring the national significance of the coronation.
Ladoja’s Pledge of Service
Marking his 81st birthday a day earlier, the Olubadan pledged a renewed commitment to serve Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria, and the African continent.
“I salute all Ibadan residents for their perseverance since the start of the coronation about a week ago. As your king, I shall devote my life to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ibadan and its people,” he said.
A New Chapter in Ibadan’s History
Oba Ladoja’s enthronement as the 44th Olubadan not only cements his place in history but also reignites the political agitation for Ibadan State. His call to President Tinubu adds fresh weight to the campaign as constitutional reforms gather momentum in Abuja.
For Ibadan, the city of warriors and scholars, this coronation marks the beginning of another chapter in its storied history—one that blends ancient tradition with modern political realities.
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