A Photo File of The House of Reps

The House of Representatives on Thursday took a major step toward the creation of a new state in the South-West as a bill seeking to establish Ibadan State from the present Oyo State scaled its second reading.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, who represents the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to officially recognise Ibadan as a state within the federation.

Leading the debate on the floor of the House, Adigun described the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development through true federalism and the fulfillment of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan.”

He argued that Ibadan, with its historical importance as the capital of the old Western Region, deserves recognition similar to cities such as Enugu and Kaduna, which have since become states.

“Ibadan remains one of Nigeria’s largest and most economically viable cities,” he said. “It has the population, landmass, and economic potential to function independently as a state.”

Adigun’s submission, however, sparked brief controversy when he claimed that a single local government in Ibadan is larger than three combined local governments in Bayelsa State.

His remark drew immediate objection from Hon. Obuku Ofurji, representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, who described the comparison as “irrelevant and disrespectful.”

Following the objection, Adigun apologised but maintained that his statement was based on verifiable demographic and geographical data.

“My intention was not to undermine any part of the country,” he clarified. “The facts simply highlight Ibadan’s readiness for statehood.”

The bill was later referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.

If passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and approved by the required two-thirds of state assemblies, Ibadan State would become Nigeria’s 37th state.

Political observers say the proposal reflects renewed agitation for administrative restructuring and balanced development across the six geopolitical zones.