A fresh momentum has gathered behind the long-standing call for the creation of Ibadan State, as prominent lawmakers from Oyo State, traditional rulers, and civic leaders converge to press the case at a constitutional review hearing held in Lagos.
The public hearing, part of the House of Representatives’ ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, included discussions on the creation of new states, with Ibadan State firmly on the agenda. Representing the Oyo delegation were Honourable Stanley Olajide, fondly called Odidiomo by admirers (Ibadan Northwest/Northeast), Honourable Abass Adigun, widely known as Agboworin (Ibadan Southeast/Northeast), Honourable Aderemi Oseni (Ibarapa East/Ido), and with moral support from Honourable Akeem Adeyemi, also known as Skimeh (Oyo Federal Constituency).
The lawmakers’ presence was met with applause from Ibadan’s traditional and civic institutions, including the Ibadan Obas, Mogajis, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Baales, and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI).
Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, former Acting General Secretary of the CCII and Coordinator of ICPI, led a formidable delegation of Ibadan stakeholders to the Lagos hearing. He delivered remarks on behalf of the CCII President-General, Barrister Chief Niyi Ajewole — currently in the United Kingdom for the Ibadan Day celebration in London.
Joining Akinade were respected figures such as the Asiwaju of Ibarapaland, Chief Fadairo; industrialist Mogaji Yomi Gbadamosi; Alagba Sulaiman Iyanda; Chief Mrs Bola Doherty, MFR; Chief Niyi Akinola, SAN; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Mogaji Demola Olasomi; Mogaji Ajobo; and Elder Taiye Ayorinde (Baale of Ekotedo), among others.
In a joint statement signed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Akinade, the leaders praised the lawmakers for what they described as their “unwavering commitment to a just and long-overdue cause.”
“The presence of these lawmakers at the hearing demonstrates a clear dedication to the future of Ibadanland,” the statement said. “Their leadership has helped galvanise support across the political and cultural spectrum, and we remain hopeful that their advocacy will lead to real, lasting change.”
Advocates say the proposed Ibadan State would comprise 11 local government areas in Ibadanland and three from Ibarapaland, with Ibadan City as its capital. Proponents argue the new state would promote equity, enhance development, and improve administrative efficiency.
The statement continued: “The lawmakers have made a compelling case using historical facts and relevant data, highlighting why Ibadan — a city with a rich cultural and political heritage — deserves state status.”
Supporters across the region believe the creation of Ibadan State would bring government closer to the people, address marginalisation, and unlock new economic and infrastructural opportunities.
The stakeholders concluded by urging broader public support for the initiative: “We believe this will not only benefit the region but strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure. We commend the perseverance of our representatives and remain optimistic about the outcome of this critical national conversation.”
