Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised hopes among advocates of Ibadan state creation, saying the long-standing demand could receive favourable consideration at the National Assembly.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Bodija residence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Senate President, who was accompanied by several senators, said the agitation for the creation of Ibadan state would be examined on the floor of the senate.
“Ibadan is an incoming state, the only state in Nigeria seeking creation based on popular demand,” Akpabio said.
He described Ladoja’s recent installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as a blessing to Ibadan and the south-west region.
Akpabio said the people of Ibadan made the right choice in Ladoja, citing his experience as a former senator, governor of Oyo state, entrepreneur and administrator.
According to him, Ladoja’s background as a nationalist would bring innovation and renewed vitality to the traditional institution in the south-west.
“His reign will witness a lot of progress, and Ibadan people will benefit a lot during his reign,” Akpabio said.
Responding, the Olubadan thanked Akpabio 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,” Ladoja said.
He said he had earlier presented the request to President Bola Tinubu during his installation ceremony and urged Akpabio to use his office to ensure its actualisation.
The monarch also called for constitutional recognition of the traditional institution to prevent the removal of traditional rulers by state governors.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.