The House of Representatives on Thursday advanced a major proposal that could reshape Nigeria’s political structure, as lawmakers passed — for the second time — a bill seeking to create Ibadan State from the existing Oyo State.
The bill, sponsored by Abass Adigun, who represents Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, gained approval after a lively debate on the House floor.
Adigun argued that Ibadan’s size, population, and economic potential make it more than qualified to stand as a state of its own. Drawing on history, he noted that cities like Enugu and Kaduna, once regional capitals like Ibadan, had already been elevated to state capitals decades ago.
“This bill marks a historic move toward fair development and true federalism,” Adigun stated, describing it as a dream long cherished by the people of Ibadan.
Tension briefly flared when he compared one local government in Ibadan to three in Bayelsa State in terms of landmass and population — a remark that Obuku Ofurji (Yenagoa/Opokuma, Bayelsa) condemned as “unnecessary and disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but maintained that his data was accurate.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chaired the session, referred the proposal to the House Committee on Constitutional Review, which he also heads. Kalu reminded the lawmakers that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is expected to wrap up by December 2025.
Under Section 8(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, creating a new state involves a long and rigorous process. It requires:
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Two-thirds approval from lawmakers representing the proposed area in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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Support from the state House of Assembly and local government councils affected.
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A referendum where two-thirds of the residents vote in favour.
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Majority approval from Houses of Assembly across the federation.
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Final endorsement by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly.
Despite multiple attempts over the years, no new state has been created since 1999, making the Ibadan State proposal both ambitious and politically significant.
