The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has expressed his deep desire for the creation of Ibadan State, describing it as a long-overdue development. He stated that fulfilling this aspiration during his reign would make him a fulfilled monarch.
Oba Ladoja made these remarks while receiving the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on a courtesy visit at his Bodija residence.
According to Oba Ladoja, Ibadan, with its eleven local government areas, is large and significant enough to deserve statehood. He emphasized that relevant stakeholders and interest groups are actively working toward this goal.
The Olubadan-designate sees the actualization of Ibadan State as a legacy he hopes to leave behind as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Senator Adeleke congratulated Oba Ladoja on his nomination and praised his resilience and achievements across various roles, including former governor, senator, and now monarch-designate. He described Oba Ladoja as a man of destiny who has successfully overcome many challenges.
The call for Ibadan State’s creation is supported by several groups, including the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative and prominent lawmakers who argue that Ibadan’s population and land size surpass many existing states.
Ibadan contributes a significant portion of Oyo State’s internally generated revenue and hosts numerous educational, cultural, and medical institutions, all reinforcing its case for statehood.
Additionally, efforts for constitutional review in Nigeria have seen proposals for the creation of new states, with Ibadan frequently cited as a priority due to its unique status as a former regional capital without a state of its own.
This campaign reflects broader regional aspirations for greater political autonomy, equitable resource control, and enhanced administrative efficiency.
Advocates believe that creating Ibadan State would enable residents to exercise more control over developmental priorities and unlock the city’s full economic potential.
