Mixed reactions have continued to trail the call by the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for the creation of Ibadan State from the present Oyo State and parts of Ondo State.
During his coronation ceremony in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oba Ladoja urged President Bola Tinubu to make the creation of Ibadan State a top priority.
“My people sent me a message to Mr. President. They said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority,” the monarch declared.
The proposed Ibadan State is among 46 new states being considered by the National Assembly. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun of Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, recently scaled second reading in the House of Representatives — a key step toward amending the 1999 Constitution.
Leading the debate, Adigun described the move as a “monumental step toward equitable development and true federalism,” adding that Ibadan has the population, economic strength, and landmass to qualify for statehood. He noted that one local government in Ibadan is larger than three combined in Bayelsa State.
However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm.
Hon. Akindele Adeniyi, Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Mobilization, said the Southwest should focus on regional development rather than creating new states.
“We should concentrate on stabilizing what we have, ensuring developmental projects, and improving living conditions. Creation of a new state shouldn’t be our priority now,” he told DAILY POST.
In contrast, the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Seye Oladejo, said the proposed Ibadan State could reshape the Southwest politically, economically, and culturally.
“The creation of Ibadan State will correct long-standing concerns about power concentration in Oyo, give Ibadan distinct political identity, and increase representation at the federal level,” Oladejo explained.
He added that splitting Oyo State would enhance administrative efficiency, attract industries, and position Ibadan as an even stronger economic hub to complement Lagos.
As debates continue, the proposal for Ibadan State remains one of the most talked-about political developments in the Southwest.
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