Olubadan Ladoja Appeals to President Tinubu for Creation of Ibadan State
The newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to fulfill the long-standing dream of Ibadan people by granting them an independent state.
The monarch made this call on Friday, September 26, 2025, shortly after he officially received the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in a historic coronation ceremony that drew traditional rulers, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country.
A Message to the President
Speaking with emotion, the former governor of Oyo State stressed that his installation was not just a personal honor but a platform to amplify the desires of his people. He revealed that the foremost demand from Ibadan indigenes is the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo State, a proposal that has been on the lips of many for decades.
“My people sent me a message to Mr President,” Ladoja said during his address. “Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
The monarch further called on Tinubu to seize the moment and make history by approving the request before the end of his current administration in 2027.
Why Ibadan State?
Advocates of the movement argue that Ibadan, as the largest city in West Africa and a historic center of politics, commerce, and culture, deserves to have its own state. For years, indigenes have maintained that the city’s size, population, and economic potential make it more than capable of standing as a distinct state within the Nigerian federation.
Oba Ladoja’s renewed call now places the issue back at the center of political discussions, particularly as the clamor for restructuring and decentralization continues to gain momentum nationwide.
Symbolism of the Appeal
Observers noted that raising the issue at his coronation was highly symbolic. By doing so, the Olubadan tied his new reign to the aspirations of his people, showing that his kingship will not be limited to cultural matters but will also advocate for political and developmental causes.
The request also comes at a time when President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized inclusivity, grassroots development, and responsiveness to the needs of different regions across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
While the creation of new states in Nigeria has always been a complex and politically sensitive process, the Olubadan’s public plea adds fresh weight to Ibadan’s case. With 2027 set as the target year by the monarch, all eyes will be on the presidency and the National Assembly to see whether concrete steps will be taken.
For the people of Ibadan, this appeal represents not just a ceremonial statement but a renewed hope that their decades-long demand could finally be realized under the reign of their new traditional ruler.
