By Peter Omopo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reiterated his support for the creation of Ibadan State, describing it as an “incoming state” driven by widespread popular demand.
Akpabio made the remarks on Sunday during a visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The visit followed earlier calls by the monarch for the establishment of Ibadan State. Oba Ladoja had publicly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to actualise the creation of the state during his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. He succeeded the late 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. At the presentation of his Staff of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde, the monarch urged the President to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before 2027.
Accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sharafadeen Ali and other senior lawmakers, Akpabio assured that the matter would receive attention in the Senate.
“Ibadan is an incoming state. It is the only state in Nigeria that needs to be created by popular demand,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio also described Oba Ladoja’s installation as a blessing to Ibadanland and the South-West, praising the people of the ancient city for what he called the right choice of monarch.
He noted that Oba Ladoja’s background as a former senator, governor of Oyo State, entrepreneur and administrator would positively impact the traditional institution.
“Ladoja, as a nationalist, will bring innovation to the traditional institution in the South-West. His reign will witness significant progress, and the people of Ibadan will benefit immensely,” Akpabio stated.
In his response, Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his call for the creation of Ibadan State.
“My people have given me the mandate to represent their interests, including the creation of Ibadan State. I placed this request before President Tinubu during my installation, and I am repeating it today. My people want Ibadan State,” the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja also appealed for constitutional recognition of traditional institutions, calling for amendments to prevent the arbitrary removal of traditional rulers by state governors.
