A bill proposing the creation of Ibadan State from the current Oyo State has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, was debated on Thursday and advanced after a heated plenary session.
Adigun argued that Ibadan’s large population, vast landmass, and historic importance as a former regional capital make it deserving of statehood. He cited examples of Enugu and Kaduna—both of which became states after serving as regional capitals—as precedents.
“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.
Controversy arose during the debate when Adigun claimed that a single local government area in Ibadan is larger than three in Bayelsa State combined. His remark sparked a reaction from Obuku Ofurji, representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, who called the comparison “irrelevant and disrespectful.”
Adigun later apologised for the comment but stood by his statistics, insisting they were factual.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chaired the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review, which he heads. Kalu also reminded members that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Under Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the process of creating a new state in Nigeria requires multiple layers of approval—including two-thirds support from federal lawmakers representing the affected area, endorsement by the state assembly and local councils, a referendum approved by two-thirds of the local population, and majority consent from Houses of Assembly across the federation.
No new state has been created in Nigeria since the country’s return to democracy in 1999, despite several similar proposals over the years.
