The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward the possible creation of Ibadan State, as lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill for second reading that seeks to carve the new state out of Oyo.
The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, who represents the Ibadan Northeast/Ibadan Southeast federal constituency, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to make Ibadan a standalone state within the South-West geopolitical zone.
Presenting the bill, Adigun said the move represents a long-standing desire of the Ibadan people and a push for balanced development across the federation. He argued that Ibadan’s population, size, and economic significance make it deserving of state status.
According to him, the former capital of the old Western Region has been left behind in the wave of state creations that produced states such as Enugu and Kaduna. “This bill is a step toward fair representation and progress,” he said.
A brief exchange occurred during the debate when Adigun compared Ibadan’s landmass to that of Bayelsa, claiming that one local government in Ibadan is larger than three in the South-South state. His remark drew objections from Hon. Obuku Ofurji of Bayelsa, who called the statement “disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but stood by his point, insisting it was factual.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further consideration.
The development adds to several ongoing proposals seeking the creation of new states as part of the current constitutional amendment exercise.
Under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, creating a new state requires extensive legislative and popular approval — including a two-thirds majority vote from lawmakers, endorsement by affected local governments, a referendum among residents, and final approval by both chambers of the National Assembly.
No new state has been created since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. However, the ongoing constitutional review process, expected to conclude in December 2025, may determine whether Ibadan finally joins the list of Nigeria’s federating states.
