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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has renewed hope for the creation of Ibadan State, describing it as “an incoming state—the only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand.”
He made the remarks during a visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.
Ladoja had previously appealed publicly for the creation of Ibadan State to President Bola Tinubu during his installation as the 44th Olubadan, following the death of the 43rd Olubadan on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.
Speaking after receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde, the monarch urged Tinubu to make the creation of Ibadan State a reality before 2027.
Akpabio, who was accompanied on the visit by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdulahi, Sharafadeen Ali, and other senior senators, assured that the matter would be considered on the floor of the Senate.
“Ibadan is an incoming state. The only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand,” he reiterated.
On Oba Ladoja’s installation, the Senate President described him as a blessing not only to Ibadanland but to the entire South-West.
He noted that Ibadan people made the right choice in selecting Ladoja as their monarch, highlighting his extensive experience as a politician, entrepreneur, and seasoned administrator.
“Ladoja, as a nationalist, will bring new innovation to the traditional institution in the South-West region. His reign will witness significant progress. Ibadan people will benefit greatly during his reign.
“Oba Ladoja has served the country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as Governor of Oyo State. His wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new role as a monarch,” Akpabio stated.
Responding, Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his entourage for the visit and reiterated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.
“My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State. I placed the request of my people before President Tinubu during my installation ceremony.
“I am repeating the same request today. My people want Ibadan State, and I urge you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.
“Another request I want to place before you is the constitutional recognition of the traditional institution. If there is a need to amend the constitution, let it be done so that the practice of removing traditional rulers by the governor will stop forthwith,” he added.
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