HISTORIC: Oba Ladoja Crowned Olubadan, Stuns Nation With Bold Demand For Ibadan State Before Tinubu, Makinde

Ibadan — It was a day of splendour, tradition, and political undertones as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, in a grand coronation that attracted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, top traditional rulers, political heavyweights, and thousands of indigenes.

The ceremony took a dramatic turn when the new monarch, in his maiden address, made a historic call for the creation of Ibadan State out of Oyo State, a demand that electrified the crowd and placed the age-long agitation back on the national agenda.

Speaking in Yoruba before President Tinubu and other dignitaries, the Olubadan declared:

> “Ibadan people have asked me to make a demand. They asked me to ask for Ibadan State. If that is true, all Ibadan people, please stand up and thank President Bola Tinubu.
If there is only one State to be created, Mr President, let it be Ibadan State. We’re in a hurry.”

The statement was greeted with a deafening ovation, chants of solidarity, and traditional drumming that echoed across the ancient city.

Reactions Pour In

The Olubadan’s bold demand instantly sparked reactions across the political and cultural landscape.

Governor Seyi Makinde, presenting the staff of office, praised the peaceful resolution of last year’s succession tussle and pledged his administration’s support for the new monarch:
“Oba Ladoja’s coronation is proof that Ibadan can manage its affairs with dignity and wisdom. His call for Ibadan State is the voice of his people, and it deserves national attention.”

High Chief Lekan Balogun, head of the Olubadan-in-Council, described the demand as timely:
“Ibadan has the population, history, and resources to stand as a state. Today, our monarch has spoken what has been in the hearts of our people for decades.”

Elder statesman Chief Bode George told journalists that Ibadan’s voice could not be ignored:
“When a city as historic as Ibadan speaks through its king, it is more than rhetoric—it is destiny calling. The Federal Government must give this demand serious thought.”

Youth groups in attendance erupted in chants of “Ibadan State now!” describing the coronation as the dawn of a new chapter for the Yoruba race.

At 81, Oba Ladoja reflected on his life of service, vowing to dedicate the remainder of his reign to the progress of his people:

> “Since God has spared my life to reach 81 years, I have no other task than to serve the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa. I will always do good throughout my reign.”
He also commended Governor Makinde for his role in ensuring a peaceful transition when many feared a crisis in Ibadan’s traditional stool last year.

Analysts say the demand for Ibadan State, coming directly from the Olubadan on the day of his coronation, will ignite fresh debates in the corridors of power. With the presence of President Tinubu—himself a son of the South-West—the request may carry more weight than previous agitations.

The coronation, adorned with colourful Yoruba cultural displays, traditional music, and royal pageantry, not only cemented Oba Ladoja’s place in history but also reminded Nigeria that Ibadan, the city of warriors, scholars, and political pioneers, remains a powerful voice in shaping the nation’s future.