A bill seeking the creation of Ibadan State from the present Oyo State has scaled second reading at the House of Representatives, marking a significant step toward the long-standing agitation for a separate state for the ancient city.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun (PDP–Oyo), representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to recognize Ibadan as a new state with Ibadan city as its capital.
Leading the debate during Thursday’s plenary, Adigun said Ibadan deserved a state of its own based on its population size, landmass, economic potential, and historical significance. He described the city as one of Nigeria’s most prominent urban centers, noting that some local government areas within Ibadan were larger and more populated than entire states in the country.
“Ibadan has all the attributes of a viable state a thriving economy, a rich cultural identity, and vast human resources. Creating Ibadan State will bring governance closer to the people and promote balanced development,” Adigun argued.
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His submission, however, sparked a mild controversy after Hon. Obuku Ofurji (Bayelsa) objected to Adigun’s comparison, describing it as “disrespectful” to smaller states. Adigun later apologized, clarifying that his intention was not to demean any part of the country but to emphasize Ibadan’s capacity for self-governance.
Following deliberations, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, commended the sponsor’s effort and referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
If approved, the bill would trigger a complex constitutional process outlined under Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates strict conditions for the creation of new states. These include securing two-thirds majority support in both chambers of the National Assembly, the affected State House of Assembly, and local government councils. It also requires approval by referendum and endorsement from a majority of state assemblies across the federation.
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, several proposals for new states have been presented, but none have successfully met the constitutional requirements. Analysts say the Ibadan State bill will face a similar test of political will and national consensus.
The renewed push for Ibadan State comes amid ongoing demands for restructuring and administrative decentralization. Supporters argue that creating the state would decongest Oyo, enhance development planning, and reflect Ibadan’s status as a major political and cultural center in the southwest.
Traditional rulers and civic groups in Ibadan have also thrown their weight behind the proposal. During his recent coronation, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Ladoja, called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to ensure that Ibadan State becomes a reality before 2027.
Observers note that while the second reading marks progress, the road ahead remains long and uncertain. Constitutional amendments for new state creation are rare and demand broad consensus across political, ethnic, and regional lines.
With the bill now before the Constitution Review Committee, attention shifts to whether lawmakers and stakeholders can muster the unity and political commitment required to realize the dream of an Ibadan State a demand that has echoed for decades in Nigeria’s democratic history.