The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward the creation of a new state in Nigeria’s South-West region, as a bill proposing the establishment of Ibadan State from the existing Oyo State successfully scaled its second reading on Thursday.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to formally create Ibadan State, with Ibadan city serving as its capital.
If passed, this development would mark the first state creation in Nigeria since 1996, when the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, carved out six additional states, increasing the total number to 36. Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, all subsequent efforts to alter state boundaries or create new states have stalled, largely due to the strict constitutional amendment requirements.
Lawmakers Debate the Ibadan State Bill
Sponsoring the bill, Hon. Abass Adigun (PDP–Oyo), emphasised that Ibadan, as the largest city in West Africa and the historic capital of the defunct Western Region, deserves to be recognised as a state. He argued that such recognition would promote equity, development, and administrative efficiency within the region.
According to Adigun, cities like Enugu and Kaduna—both former regional capitals—have long attained statehood, while Ibadan has yet to enjoy similar recognition despite its vast population, landmass, and economic significance.
“The creation of Ibadan State represents a monumental step toward equitable development through true federalism and the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the Ibadan people,” he said.
He further asserted that Ibadan possesses the human and infrastructural capacity to function as a state, adding that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three in Bayelsa State.”
Reactions on the House Floor
That statement, however, sparked immediate criticism from Hon. Obuku Ofurji (PDP–Bayelsa), who described the comparison as “irrelevant and disrespectful” to his state.
Adigun later apologised for the remark but maintained that his point was based on verifiable data and not meant to demean any region.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session.
This proposal is one among several bills before the National Assembly seeking to create new states such as Anioma, Orlu, Ogoja, Gurara, and Katagum. However, such efforts have historically faced difficulties due to the complex state creation process, which requires approval from two-thirds of state assemblies nationwide.
Renewed Push for Ibadan Statehood
The latest legislative push aligns with renewed calls for regional restructuring and resource-based development.
Just last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State before 2027. Speaking during his coronation as the 44th Olubadan, the monarch described the demand as “a dream deferred for far too long.”
