The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has made a fresh and powerful appeal for the creation of Ibadan State and the formal recognition of traditional rulers within Nigeria's constitution. This significant call was made directly to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during a historic visit to the monarch's Bodija residence on December 21, 2025.
A Historic Visit and a Bold Appeal
The Senate President led a high-powered delegation of principal officers and ranking members of the 10th National Assembly on what was described as a symbolic visit. This event marked a renewed engagement between the country's political leadership and its revered traditional institutions. During the meeting, Oba Ladoja stated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture requiring courageous constitutional reforms.
The monarch passionately argued that Ibadan, as one of Africa's largest indigenous cities with a rich historical legacy, has more than earned the right to become a state. He emphasized that the formal inclusion of traditional rulers in the constitutional framework would strengthen governance and cultural preservation across the nation.
Senate Leadership Acknowledges Ibadan's Stature
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Ibadan as one of the continent's great cities. He firmly rejected any notion of describing the metropolis as a mere "village," pointing to official census data that reveals its population rivals that of several independent nations.
"This is no small place," Akpabio declared. "A city of nearly four million people carries enormous responsibility, and its leadership must reflect that reality." He described his delegation, which included the backbone of the legislative arm, as an "institution in itself," underscoring the importance of the visit.
Akpabio gave assurances that the National Assembly is open to legislative discussions on matters affecting traditional institutions, signaling a potential pathway for the Olubadan's requests to be formally considered.
Foundations of Unity and Recognition
Adding his voice to the proceedings, former Kebbi State Governor and Senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, described the gathering as a humbling experience. He highlighted unity, faith, and peace as the essential pillars of Nigeria's nationhood.
Senator Aliero also commended the Olubadan for his diligence and profound intellectual depth, recalling their collaborative work during meetings of the Governors' Forum, the National Council of State, and the National Economic Council. This personal testimony reinforced the respected position Oba Ladoja holds among the nation's leaders.
The historic meeting in Ibadan has reignited a crucial national conversation about restructuring, the role of traditional authority in a modern democracy, and the quest for equitable state creation. It places the demands of one of Nigeria's most prominent kingdoms squarely on the agenda of the country's highest law-making body.
