In a significant move that has reignited a long-standing national debate, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has made a fresh and powerful appeal for the creation of Ibadan State. He also called for the formal inclusion of traditional rulers within Nigeria's constitutional framework.
A Historic Visit and a Bold Appeal
The monarch made these declarations on Sunday, 21 December 2025, during a high-profile visit to his Bodija residence. The visiting delegation was led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and included principal officers and ranking members of the 10th National Assembly. The gathering was notable for its bipartisan composition, featuring senators from both the ruling party and the opposition, underscoring a collective recognition of the traditional institution's importance.
Oba Ladoja stated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture that demands courageous constitutional reforms. He argued that Ibadan, as one of Africa's largest indigenous cities with a massive population and profound historical significance, has more than earned the right to become a full-fledged state. "I speak not merely as a politician, but as a citizen deeply invested in the future of my people and this country," he said.
"What matters is securing progress, stability, and fairness for our people. Ibadan has the population, capacity, and history to stand as a state," the royal father emphasized.
The Case for Constitutional Recognition of Monarchs
Beyond state creation, Oba Ladoja presented a compelling case for granting defined constitutional roles to the nation's traditional rulers. He traced the steady decline of their authority since the colonial era, linking it directly to weakened grassroots governance, diminished community cohesion, and ineffective conflict resolution mechanisms.
"Traditional institutions are not competitors to democratic governance; they are partners," he asserted. "Their positions are well-documented in our history. Reintegrating them meaningfully into national development will strengthen unity, stability, and peace."
He acknowledged that past attempts at such reforms have been thwarted by constitutional bottlenecks and political resistance but expressed optimism that the current political dispensation offers a unique chance to "do things differently."
Senate Leadership Responds with Assurance
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid glowing tribute to Ibadan, describing it as one of Africa's great cities. He firmly rejected any characterisation of Ibadan as a mere village, pointing out that official census figures show its population rivals that of several small countries.
"This is no small place. A city of nearly four million people carries enormous responsibility, and its leadership must reflect that reality," Akpabio stated.
He described the Senate delegation as an "institution in itself" and gave a firm assurance to the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland. "If there is anything we can do, through legislation or otherwise, to support this institution and its vision, we are prepared to do so," the Senate President pledged, indicating an openness to legislative engagement on the issues raised.
Also speaking, Senator Adamu Aliero, former Governor of Kebbi State, praised the Olubadan's wisdom and leadership. He highlighted unity, faith, and peace as the bedrock of Nigeria's nationhood and expressed confidence that Ibadanland would reach greater heights under Oba Ladoja's reign.
The historic visit marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about Nigeria's structural evolution and the potential role of its ancient traditional systems in a modern democratic state.
