By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has raised fresh hope among advocates of the proposed Ibadan State, assuring that the long-standing demand would receive due consideration by the National Assembly.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan, where he addressed calls for the creation of a new state out of the present Oyo State.
The Senate President, who was accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sarafadeen Ali and other senior lawmakers, said the agitation for Ibadan State stood out for its strong popular backing and would be examined on the floor of the Senate.
He described Ibadan as an incoming state and noted that it was the only state currently seeking creation purely on the strength of popular demand, assuring that the Senate would give the request fair and objective consideration.
Akpabio also congratulated Oba Ladoja on his recent installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the monarch as a blessing to Ibadanland and the entire South-West. He said the choice of Oba Ladoja reflected the wisdom of the people of Ibadan, citing his background as a politician, entrepreneur and seasoned administrator.
According to the Senate President, Oba Ladoja’s experience as a former senator and governor of Oyo State would bring innovation and renewed energy to the traditional institution, adding that his reign would usher in progress and tangible benefits for the people of Ibadan.
In his response, Oba Ladoja thanked Akpabio and his delegation for the visit and reiterated the demand for the creation of Ibadan State, saying he was acting on the mandate freely given to him by his people.
He disclosed that he had already presented the request to President Bola Tinubu during his installation ceremony and used the occasion to repeat the appeal, urging the Senate President to deploy his office towards the actualisation of the long-held aspiration.
The monarch also called for constitutional recognition of the traditional institution, stressing the need for amendments that would protect traditional rulers from arbitrary removal by state governors, which he said would strengthen stability and respect for the institution.
Ibadan, one of the largest indigenous cities in Africa, has for decades featured prominently in discussions on state creation, with proponents arguing that its population size, historical significance and administrative capacity justify the demand. Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was installed as Olubadan in 2025, succeeding the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
