The conversation around the creation of a new state in Nigeria has been reignited following fresh remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He has openly suggested that the long-standing call for Ibadan State may finally gain legislative attention, describing it as a demand strongly driven by the people.
Akpabio spoke during a courtesy visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan on Sunday.
During the visit, the Senate President acknowledged the sustained agitation for the creation of Ibadan State and described it as a unique case in Nigeria.
According to him, Ibadan stands out as a proposed state backed by widespread popular demand. He said the request is one that cannot be ignored and assured that the matter would receive consideration at the National Assembly.
“Ibadan is an incoming state. The only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand,” Akpabio said during the visit.
The Senate President was accompanied by several ranking senators, including Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sharafadeen Ali, and other lawmakers. Their presence underscored the political weight of the visit and the significance attached to the discussions held with the traditional ruler.
Akpabio also used the opportunity to speak on the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland. He described the monarch as a fitting choice, noting that his emergence was not only beneficial to Ibadan but to the entire South-West region.
He praised Ladoja’s background, pointing to his years of service as a former governor of Oyo State and a former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to Akpabio, the monarch’s political and administrative experience would positively shape the traditional institution under his leadership.
Akpabio expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in development and innovation. He added that the people of Ibadan would experience meaningful progress due to the monarch’s understanding of governance and public service.
In his response, Oba Ladoja appreciated the Senate President and his delegation for the visit. He reiterated his firm position on the creation of Ibadan State, stressing that he was acting on the clear mandate given to him by his people.
The monarch revealed that he had already presented the request for Ibadan State to President Bola Tinubu during his installation ceremony. He said the demand reflects the collective will of the people of Ibadan and would remain a priority under his leadership.
“My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State,” Ladoja stated. “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 state creation, the Olubadan also raised concerns about the status of traditional institutions in Nigeria. He called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and pushed for reforms that would protect them from arbitrary removal by state governors.
He argued that amending the constitution to safeguard traditional institutions would strengthen stability and preserve cultural heritage across the country.