The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State.
He made the demand during his coronation speech in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday.
“They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?
“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State.
“Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election,” he said.
The Olubadan asked the crowd to rise and appreciate the President “in advance” for granting the request.
Thereafter, Ladoja said his ascension to the throne reflected the race of life and place of destiny.
“I accept not just the paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it.
“It is not by power, influence, connection, or money that we are here today. I appreciate God for taking me to the finishing line from the starting point as the Mogaji of the all-inclusive Arusa family, Isale Osi, Ibadan, in 1992 till date,” he added.
The monarch pledged to uphold the trust the Olubadan Council members and kingmakers reposed in him while thanking the governor for ratifying his selection.
He warned the traditional title holders not to use their positions to snatch people’s wives and lands.
“All the traditional title holders, you have work to do. You have many roles to play. Do not snatch people’s wives and lands. I hope you are all listening to me. That is not your roles.
“Any Yoruba who has no house in Ibadan is yet to have a house. I am happy for the life of our governor, all Ibadan indigenes are the sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
“Some people thought Ibadan will be in crisis. We have settled it. Ibadan has only one room but different windows. We settle things by ourselves. I am happy that the kingmakers who ate the members of Olubadan-in-Council.
“What is paramount is that we should have Ibadan State. God still wants me to work more for the people, the people of Ibadanland, Nigeria and Africa. I will continue to work for the people. I want to thank the coronation committee,” he said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the other dignitaries who were present at the event.
“I greet the President, my good friend, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You are welcome. If you are not from Ibadan, you met Remi in Ibadan and I am happy she is your pillar. I am happy that Ibadan is the home for all Yoruba,” he added.
