The long-standing call for the creation of Ibadan State has gained renewed momentum following remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan on Sunday, Akpabio acknowledged the widespread popular demand for the new state and assured that the National Assembly would give the matter serious consideration.
Describing Ibadan as a unique case in Nigeria, Akpabio emphasized that the demand for the state is driven by the people themselves, making it an issue that cannot be ignored. “Ibadan is an incoming state. The only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand,” he stated.
The Senate President was accompanied by several senior senators, including Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Sharafadeen Ali, highlighting the political significance of the visit and the discussions with the traditional ruler.
Akpabio also praised the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a fitting monarch whose political and administrative experience would positively influence the traditional institution. He expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring development and innovation to Ibadan and the wider South-West region.
In response, Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his delegation for their visit and reiterated his commitment to the creation of Ibadan State, emphasizing that he was acting on a clear mandate from his people.
He revealed that he had already presented the request to President Bola Tinubu during his installation ceremony and urged the Senate President to use his office to ensure the state’s actualization.
“My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State,” Oba Ladoja said. “I am repeating the same request today. My people want Ibadan State, and I urge you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.”
Beyond the issue of state creation, the Olubadan raised concerns about the status of traditional institutions in Nigeria. He called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and advocated for reforms to protect them from arbitrary removal by state governors. He argued that constitutional safeguards would strengthen stability and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
This renewed advocacy for Ibadan State marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing discussions about state creation and the role of traditional institutions in governance. The involvement of key political figures and traditional leaders underscores the seriousness of the demand and its potential impact on the country’s political landscape.
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