Mixed Reactions as Olubadan Calls for Creation of Ibadan State

The newly installed Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has renewed demands for the creation of Ibadan State, a proposal that would see the current Oyo State—and parts of Ondo State—restructured. The call, reported by newsmen, followed Oba Ladoja’s coronation in Ibadan the Oyo State capital, where he urged President Bola Tinubu to make the state’s creation a priority. “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority” he said.

The proposal for Ibadan State is one of 46 states being mooted around Nigeria. A bill sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to officially legitimise Ibadan as a state. Adigun argued that Ibadan has the population size, economic capacity, and landmass to deserve statehood. He also pointed out that one local government in Ibadan alone is larger than three combined local governments in Bayelsa State.

But reactions have been mixed. Hon Akindele Adeniyi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Mobilisation, suggested this is not the right time for the Southwest to focus on creating more states. He told newsmen that the region should instead maintain and strengthen existing structures, saying that improving infrastructure and ensuring equitable development should take priority over altering state boundaries.

On the other hand, Seye Oladejo, Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, welcomed the idea of Ibadan State, saying it would have significant political, economic and cultural implications for the Southwest. He said the change would help correct long-standing issues about concentration of power and resources in Ibadan, improve representation, and enhance administrative efficiency. Oladejo added that Ibadan has the potential to become an economic nucleus, attracting industries, startups and research centres, and thus complement Lagos as a commercial hub.

As the bill moves through debate and public hearings, many will be watching to see whether the creation of Ibadan State will advance or stall and whether it will unite or divide opinion in the Southwest.