A bill seeking the creation of Ibadan State from the present Oyo State has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing quest for administrative autonomy by the people of Ibadan.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Abass Adigun (Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency), aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish Ibadan State in Nigeria’s South-West region. The bill advanced during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Leading the debate, Adigun argued that Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s largest and most historic cities, merits statehood based on its population, landmass, and strategic importance.
He noted that former regional capitals such as Enugu and Kaduna have since become states, while Ibadan—once the capital of the old Western Region—has not.
“This bill represents a monumental step toward equitable development through federalism and the realisation of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan,” Adigun said.
He cited comparative data to support his case, claiming that a single local government area in Ibadan is “bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State.”
The remark drew sharp criticism from Rep. Obuku Ofurji (Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency), who described the comparison as “irrelevant” and “disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but stood by the factual basis of his statement.
Deputy Speaker Kalu referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further deliberation. Kalu, who also chairs the committee, had earlier stated that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is expected to conclude by December 2025.
The move comes amid renewed agitation for state creation across Nigeria, with several regions advocating for administrative autonomy and fairer resource allocation.
Just last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before 2027, describing it as a matter of justice and historical recognition.
However, the path to state creation remains constitutionally complex. Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that a new state can only be created through a rigorous process involving:
- Two-thirds majority approval in both chambers of the National Assembly
- Consent from the House of Assembly of the affected state
- Endorsement by two-thirds of local government councils in the proposed area
- A referendum supported by two-thirds of residents in the area
- Ratification by a majority of all Nigerian states
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, no new state has been created despite numerous proposals. The Ibadan State bill, while still in its early stages, has reignited hopes among South-West stakeholders for greater regional equity and recognition.
For many in Ibadan, the bill’s progression through the second reading is seen as a symbolic victory and a reaffirmation of their cultural and political identity
