Anglican Bishop Backs Calls For Ibadan State

SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, (THEWILL) – The calls for the creation of Ibadan State to be carved out of the present Oyo State has received the support of the Bishop of Oke Ogun Anglican Diocese, Solomon Amusan.

Charging advocates of the demand for the new state to remain resolute, the cleric said the Ibadan people should build a new palace in honour of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odugade.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 99th birthday celebration of the Olubadan at his Monatan Palace, Amusan said the people of Ibadan had a lot to do in ensuring that the hope of bringing Ibadan State to reality did not fail.

"I want to urge sons and daughters of Ibadan to take the struggle for the creation of Ibadan State as a serious affair. The creation of Ibadan State is long overdue and we should do all within our capacity to bring it to reality.

"The people of Ibadan should also rally round to build a befitting palace for the Olubadan. This will be a great mark of honour," the cleric said.

Attributing the success of the Ibadan monarch to grace of God, the Anglican Bishop said "Those of us who know what he passed through and what he stood for know that the fact that he lives up to 99 years is by the grace of God."

Describing the Olubadan as a straightforward, disciplined, honest and trustworthy person, Amusan said the Olubadan " is a man of extreme immunity and a student of the Bible."

In his remark at the occasion, the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Segun Okubadejo, who also prayed for the monarch and Ibadanland, said Ibadan has witnessed remarkable development under the present Olubadan.