The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to create Ibadan State in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, with Ibadan proposed as the capital city.
Sponsored by Abass Adigun (PDP, Oyo), the bill aims to amend the Constitution to formally establish the new state, citing equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced development as key motivations.
Leading the debate during Thursday’s plenary, Adigun argued that Ibadan — the largest city in West Africa and the former capital of the defunct Western Region — deserves statehood, just like other former regional capitals such as Enugu and Kaduna.
“The creation of Ibadan State represents a monumental step toward equitable development, true federalism, and the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of our people,” Adigun said.
He further highlighted Ibadan’s size, population, and infrastructure, noting that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State.” His remark, however, drew criticism from Obuku Ofurji (PDP, Bayelsa), who called it “irrelevant and disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised, clarifying that his statement was based on data, not intended to slight any state.
If successful, this initiative would mark the first creation of a new state since 1996, when the Sani Abacha regime added six states, bringing the total to 36. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, multiple state creation efforts — including proposals for Anioma, Orlu, Ogoja, Gurara, and Katagum — have failed due to the complex constitutional amendment process, which requires approval from two-thirds of state assemblies.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
The push for Ibadan State has recently gained renewed momentum amid calls for greater decentralisation and resource-driven development. Last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urged President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State before 2027, describing it as “a dream deferred for far too long.”
If passed into law, Ibadan State would become Nigeria’s 37th state and the sixth in the South-West region.
