The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed his main wish as a monarch, appealing to President Bola Tinubu to create Ibadan State before 2027.
He made the call in his acceptance speech on Friday during his coronation at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described the emergence of Oba Ladoja as a source of pride to the ancient city.
He said, “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.“It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”
Tribune Online reports that Tinubu had earlier arrived at Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, for the coronation ceremony.
His plane landed at 1:45 p.m. and he was received by Governor Makinde, top government officials, and prominent politicians across party lines before proceeding with his entourage to Mapo Hall for the event.
TINUBU’S REACTION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that there would be light at the end of the tunnel, saying their “suffering is a pain of painful surgery”.
This comes on the heels of economic hardship caused by his reforms since assuming office as president.
Tinubu, while giving his remarks at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, thanked Nigerians for standing with his government.
His words; “Thanks for taking care of me (referring to the people of Ibadan). I’m here today to tell you to stand with me, and that it is my turn, and we are there.
“To many of you here present, today I’m honoured and very proud to give you the cheering news that economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Your suffering is a pain of a painful a surgery, but is now returned to the moment of growth and prosperity is awaiting us ahead”.
Earlier, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde presented the Staff of Office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The ceremony was attended by many traditional rulers, political figures including the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
