Bill for establishment of Ibadan State passes Second reading in House of Representatives

A proposed bill to establish a new state in Nigeria’s South-West region has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, who represents the Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, the bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to carve out Ibadan State from the existing Oyo State.

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During the session on Thursday, Adigun emphasized that Ibadan, which was formerly the capital of the old Western Region, merits statehood, pointing out that other regional capitals, such as Enugu and Kaduna, have already gained state status. He referred to the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development and genuine federalism.”

Adigun justified his proposal by highlighting Ibadan’s significant population and land area, asserting that “one local government in Ibadan is larger than three in Bayelsa State.” This remark provoked discontent from Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Ofurji, who deemed it “disrespectful.” While Adigun later apologized, he maintained that his claim was accurate.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who led the session, has forwarded the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further evaluation.

This initiative reflects a resurgence of demands for the creation of new states across Nigeria. In September, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, requested President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the establishment of Ibadan State before 2027.

Under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, creating a new state requires approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly, the assembly of the affected state, local councils, and a referendum endorsed by two-thirds of the residents in the proposed area.

No new states have been formed in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999.