The long-held aspiration for the creation of Ibadan State has reached a “decisive stage,” according to Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology, and Cybersecurity.
The federal lawmaker expressed strong confidence that the dream of an independent Ibadan State will soon be a reality for its people.
Hon. Olajide, who also serves as a member of the Constitution Review Committee representing Oyo State, made the pivotal declaration in Ibadan during the 55th-anniversary celebrations of the Oluyole Social Elite Club. The federal legislator, who proudly traces his lineage to Akuru Compound, identified himself as a “thorough-bred Ibadan son,” asserting that his extensive time spent abroad never diminished his deep-seated attachment to his homeland.
He emphasized that Ibadan has consistently remained “paramount in his thoughts and commitments,” irrespective of his international exposure. Hon. Olajide further highlighted the transformative power of technology, crediting it as the “driving force” behind both his personal and professional accomplishments. He asserted that his journey to success has been intrinsically linked to a “deliberate engagement with technology,” a background that has significantly refined his approach to governance, advocacy, and national development.
Addressing the persistent agitation for Ibadan State, Hon. Olajide revealed that discussions at the national level have advanced considerably. He disclosed a significant development at a recent stakeholder meeting in Kaduna, where attendees were presented with a choice between the creation of Ijebu State and Ibadan State. This strategic positioning, he explained, is a “clear signal that the issue has moved into a critical decision-making phase.”
The lawmaker stressed that proponents of Ibadan State are employing a “tactical and strategic” approach to their engagements, with ongoing consultations and advocacy efforts underway across the nation. “Now is the time,” Hon. Olajide declared, expressing “strong optimism” that Ibadan State will become a tangible reality in the “not too distant future.”
Hon. Olajide assured that “all necessary democratic pressure” will be exerted on the Presidency to actualize this demand. He emphatically argued that Ibadan’s “historical significance, population strength, economic capacity, and cultural influence” unequivocally qualify it to serve as a state capital. He further maintained that the movement for Ibadan State is designed to be “inclusive” and singularly focused on achieving outcomes that will “accelerate development and improve governance.”
In a gesture of support and to mark the occasion, the lawmaker, who represents the Ibadan North-west – Ibadan South-west federal constituency, announced a donation of N10 million towards the activities commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Oluyole Social Elite Club. He commended the club for its enduring relevance and its sustained contributions to elite cohesion, social development, and the steadfast promotion of Ibadan’s interests over the decades.
