The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State.

Speaking during his coronation ceremony in Ibadan on Friday, Oba Ladoja restated the Olubadan-in-Council’s long-standing demand, stressing that it reflects the will of Ibadan people.

“They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?” he asked, before urging the crowd to rise and thank the president “in advance” for granting the request.

“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it would be Ibadan State. Please do this in good time. We cannot wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election,” the monarch added.

State creation remains one of the major issues under review in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution. Nigeria currently has 36 states spread across six geopolitical zones.

The coronation came a day after Oba Ladoja marked his 81st birthday. He pledged to continue serving Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa.

“I salute all Ibadan residents for their perseverance since the start of the coronation about a week ago,” he said.

Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja amid cheers from residents and guests at the colourful ceremony.

The event attracted dignitaries including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. Former governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rabiu Kwankwaso were also in attendance.

President Tinubu, who was present at the occasion, hailed the new Olubadan as “a rare gem in history,” recalling his resilience during his impeachment battle as Oyo State governor.

“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, assuring Nigerians that “the economy has turned the corner” and promising brighter days ahead.

Governor Makinde congratulated “all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and abroad” and reaffirmed the unity of Ibadan’s traditional institution.