The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on proponents of the ongoing campaign for the creation of new states in Nigeria — particularly the proposed New Oyo State — to prioritise internal unity and broad consensus if they hope to achieve their goals. The traditional ruler made the appeal during a meeting with the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo States at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Thursday, stressing that disagreements within the movement could undermine the cause.
Oba Ladoja acknowledged that while the idea of carving out an Ibadan State might face fewer structural obstacles, the campaign for a New Oyo State was fraught with controversy, particularly over contentious issues such as the name of the proposed state and the choice of its capital. “Iseyin is interested in becoming a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is not talking. All these towns, including virgin lands, are qualified to become state capitals,” he said, highlighting the fragmented nature of the movement. “If truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise.”
The Olubadan’s counsel reflects growing concerns among observers that internal divisions among advocates could derail the state-creation effort before it gains traction at the National Assembly, where constitutional amendments and political negotiations are necessary. Proposals for new federating units, including calls for an Ibadan State, have emerged in recent years as part of wider debates on restructuring and representation in Nigeria’s federal system, amplified by the ongoing constitutional review process.
During the Thursday engagement, Oba Ladoja urged members of the committee, led by Engr. Francis Adedayo and Prof. Saheed Malik, to ensure that all zones and communities that would comprise the proposed state were adequately represented in discussions. He specifically pointed out that areas such as Oke-Ogun, which has 10 local government councils, and Ogbomoso, with four councils, should not be ignored in deliberations, insisting that inclusivity is indispensable to forging a viable consensus.
Traditional institution leaders were present to lend support and underscore the gravity of the discussions. Senior figures such as Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Osi Olubadan, and Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), attended the meeting, which also drew contributions from community representatives including Dr. Ojelabi Morakinyo of Ibarapa, who highlighted longstanding cooperative relations between Ibadan and Ibarapa communities.
Oba Ladoja’s remarks come against the backdrop of a broader national conversation on restructuring that has intensified across Nigeria. Many stakeholders argue that the existing 36-state structure fails to adequately reflect local aspirations or ensure equitable development, prompting petitions for new states from regions such as the South-West, South-South, and Middle Belt. However, critics warn that without clear consensus among local leaders and stakeholders, such movements risk amplifying rivalries and muddying political negotiations in Abuja.
The discussion also touched on related political sensitivities within Oyo State, where competing interests over potential capitals — including Iseyin, Agunrege, Oyo, and Ogbomoso — could complicate the committee’s task of presenting a unified front when approaching federal authorities. These cities represent distinct historical, economic, and cultural constituencies, and their inclusion or exclusion from key decisions will likely shape local perceptions of fairness and ownership in the proposed new state.
Observers note that Oba Ladoja, a respected figure with a significant traditional and political pedigree, is emphasising pragmatism over rhetoric by pushing for internal consensus building ahead of outward lobbying. Traditionally, successful state-creation campaigns in Nigeria have required broad political alliances, strategic alignment with national policymakers, and clear articulation of economic viability — factors that can be jeopardised by internal fragmentation.
Beyond state creation, the Olubadan has been active in other aspects of public life, often urging unity, development, and peace among diverse stakeholders in the region. His palace remains an important forum for deliberations that bridge cultural authority with contemporary political discourse.
As advocates of restructuring and state creation continue their campaign, the Olubadan’s call for harmony and compromise serves as a reminder that internal divisions can weaken even the most fervent aspirations. Analysts say that if proponents of a new state can successfully harmonise their positions and present a cohesive case, they stand a better chance of advancing the cause through constitutional and legislative channels — a process that remains both complex and politically charged in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
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