A bill seeking to establish Ibadan as a separate state in Nigeria’s south-west has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The second reading was approved during plenary on Thursday, October 9.
Sponsored by Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East federal constituency, the bill aims to amend the 1999 constitution to carve out Ibadan State from Oyo State.
During debate, Adigun argued that while former Western Region capitals like Enugu and Kaduna have become states, Ibadan has been left behind.
He described the bill as a “monumental step toward equitable development through federalism and realisation of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan.”
Adigun highlighted Ibadan’s population and territorial size as justification for statehood, noting, “One local government in Ibadan is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa state.”
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However, Obuku Ofurji, representing Yenagoa/Opokuma in Bayelsa, rejected the comparison, calling it “irrelevant” and “disrespectful.” Adigun apologised for the remark but stood by his factual claim.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, presiding over the session, subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further scrutiny.
This development adds to ongoing calls for the creation of new states across the country.
Last month, Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, petitioned President Bola Tinubu to approve Ibadan State ahead of the 2027 elections, during his coronation as the 44th Olubadan.
The National Assembly is currently in the process of amending the 1999 constitution. In January, Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, stated that the amendments are expected to be completed by December 2025.
Creating a new state remains a complicated constitutional process, and no new state has been formed in Nigeria since 1999.