The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State.
The request was made during Oba Ladoja’s coronation speech at the historic Mapo Hall on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State, on September 26, 2025.
Oba Ladoja emphasised that the demand for Ibadan State reflected the wishes of the people, echoing the Olubadan-in-Council’s position.
Ladoja also expressed optimism that President Tinubu would grant the request, saying, “I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State.”
The Olubadan furthrr urged the President to act swiftly, requesting the creation of Ibadan State before the 2027 election.
The coronation ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Tinubu who described Oba Ladoja as “a rare gem in history” and praised his resilience, Governor Seyi Makinde Who presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja and congratulated the people of Ibadanland.
Also in attendance were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III,
former Governors including Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
State creation is a major issue in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, with various groups and individuals advocating for new states.
Nigeria currently has 36 states spread across six geopolitical zones.
