Akpabio Raises Hope On Creation Of Ibadan State, Visits Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja
•By Admin
IBADAN – SENATE President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday raised fresh hope for the creation of Ibadan State, assuring advocates that the matter would be given due consideration by the National Assembly.
Akpabio gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at Bodija, Ibadan.
The Senate President, who was accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sarafadeen Ali and other ranking members of the Senate, said the demand for Ibadan State was legitimate and popular among the people.
“Ibadan is an incoming state. It is one of the states whose creation is being demanded by the people,” Akpabio said, adding that the issue would be looked into on the floor of the Senate.
Speaking on the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Akpabio described the monarch as a blessing not only to Ibadanland but to the entire South-West region.
According to him, the people of Ibadan made the right choice in selecting Oba Ladoja, noting his vast experience as a politician, entrepreneur and administrator.
“Oba Ladoja is a nationalist who will bring innovation to the traditional institution in the South-West. His reign will witness remarkable progress, and the people of Ibadan will benefit greatly,” he said.
Akpabio also highlighted the monarch’s public service record, noting that Oba Ladoja had served 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 assignment as a traditional ruler,” he added.
In his response, Oba 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,” the monarch said.
“I placed this request before President Bola Tinubu during my installation ceremony, and I am repeating it today. My people want Ibadan State, and I appeal to you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.”
Oba Ladoja also called for constitutional recognition of the traditional institution, stressing the need to amend the constitution to protect traditional rulers from arbitrary removal by state governors.
“If there is a need to amend the constitution, it should be done to strengthen and protect the traditional institution,” he said.