Akpabio Raises Fresh Hope for Creation of Ibadan State During Visit to Oba Ladoja

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has renewed hope among advocates of the creation of Ibadan State, saying the long-standing demand could receive favourable 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. The visit followed the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Senate President, who was accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sarafadeen Ali and other lawmakers, said the agitation for Ibadan State would be examined on the floor of the Senate. He described Ibadan as a viable candidate for state creation, noting that the demand was driven by widespread popular support.

Akpabio praised Oba Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan, describing him as a blessing to Ibadanland and the wider South-West region. He said the monarch’s background as a former governor of Oyo State, senator, entrepreneur and administrator positioned him to bring innovation and renewed vitality to the traditional institution.

According to Akpabio, Oba Ladoja’s experience as a nationalist and public servant would contribute significantly to the progress and development of Ibadan during his reign, adding that the people of the city stood to benefit from his leadership.

In his response, Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his delegation for the visit and reiterated the demand for the creation of Ibadan State. He said he had received a mandate from his people to represent their interests on critical issues, including state creation.

The monarch disclosed that he had already presented the request to President Bola Tinubu during his installation ceremony and appealed to Akpabio to use his office to support the actualisation of Ibadan State, stressing that it remained the collective aspiration of the people of Ibadan.