A significant legislative milestone was achieved in Nigeria’s House of Representatives as a bill seeking to establish Ibadan State in the South-West region successfully passed its second reading during a plenary session on Thursday. The proposed legislation, championed by Abass Adigun, the representative of Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to carve out Ibadan State from the existing Oyo State. This development marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing quest for statehood by the people of Ibadan, a city with deep historical, cultural, and political significance in Nigeria.
The bill’s progression reflects a growing momentum for regional autonomy and equitable resource allocation across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, where Ibadan is a major urban center. Adigun, in leading the debate, passionately articulated the case for Ibadan’s statehood, emphasizing the city’s size, population, and historical prominence as compelling reasons for its elevation to state status. He argued that Ibadan, once the capital of the defunct Western Region, has been overlooked in the creation of new states, unlike other former regional capitals such as Enugu and Kaduna, which have since attained statehood.
“Ibadan is one of Nigeria’s largest and most historic cities,” Adigun stated during the debate. “Its population, landmass, and strategic importance make it a prime candidate for statehood. This bill represents a monumental step toward equitable development through federalism and the realization of the long-held aspirations of the people of Ibadan.”
Adigun further bolstered his argument by comparing Ibadan’s size to other regions in Nigeria. He asserted that a single local government area in Ibadan surpasses the combined size of three local government areas in Bayelsa State, highlighting the city’s capacity for self-governance. This comparison, however, sparked controversy during the session. Obuku Ofurji, the representative of Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, took exception to Adigun’s remarks, describing them as “irrelevant” and “disrespectful” to Bayelsa. The comparison was intended to underscore Ibadan’s vast geographical and demographic profile but was perceived by some as dismissive of smaller states. Adigun promptly apologized for any unintended offense but stood by the factual basis of his claim.
The plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, concluded with the bill being referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further deliberation. This referral marks the beginning of a rigorous legislative process, as the creation of a new state in Nigeria is governed by stringent constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution. These requirements include securing a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as in the House of Assembly of the affected state, in this case, Oyo State. Additionally, the proposal must gain the approval of two-thirds of the local government councils in the proposed state area and pass a referendum with a two-thirds majority of residents in the affected region. Finally, the proposal must be ratified by a simple majority of all 36 states in Nigeria. This multi-layered process underscores the complexity and rarity of state creation in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The push for Ibadan State comes amid a broader wave of agitation for state creation across Nigeria. Various regions have long advocated for administrative autonomy to address perceived imbalances in resource allocation and political representation. In the South-West, the creation of Ibadan State has been a recurring demand, rooted in the city’s historical significance as the administrative and cultural heart of the old Western Region. Ibadan’s large population, estimated to be over 3.5 million, and its expansive landmass make it a strong candidate for statehood. The city is also a major economic hub, with a vibrant cultural heritage and a legacy of producing prominent Nigerian leaders, intellectuals, and professionals.
The bill’s advancement resonates deeply with the people of Ibadan, who see statehood as a matter of justice and historical recognition. Just last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his administration in 2027. Oba Ladoja, a revered traditional ruler and former governor of Oyo State, described the creation of Ibadan State as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the city’s contributions to Nigeria’s development. His appeal underscores the cultural and emotional weight of the proposal, which transcends mere administrative restructuring.
However, the path to statehood is fraught with challenges. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, no new state has been created, despite numerous proposals over the years. The constitutional hurdles, combined with political considerations and competing regional demands, make state creation a formidable task. The requirement for widespread consensus across multiple levels of government and society often stalls such initiatives, as regional interests and resource allocation concerns come into play. For instance, the creation of a new state could alter the distribution of federal resources, including revenue allocation and political representation, potentially sparking resistance from other states or regions.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, has indicated that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is expected to conclude by December 2025. This timeline provides a window for the Ibadan State proposal to be thoroughly examined and debated. Kalu’s leadership in the constitutional review process will be critical, as his committee will scrutinize the bill’s legal, political, and economic implications. The committee’s deliberations will also consider the broader context of state creation in Nigeria, as other regions, including the South-East, North-West, and North-Central zones, have similarly advocated for new states to address regional disparities.
For many in the South-West, the bill’s passage through the second reading is a symbolic victory, representing a step toward affirming Ibadan’s identity and influence within Nigeria’s federal structure. The creation of Ibadan State would not only elevate the city’s administrative status but also enhance its ability to address local developmental needs, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Proponents argue that statehood would enable Ibadan to harness its economic potential more effectively, attracting investment and fostering growth in a region already known for its commercial vibrancy.
Critics, however, caution against the proliferation of states in Nigeria, citing concerns about administrative costs and the potential for inefficiency. Nigeria currently has 36 states, and the addition of new ones could strain the federal government’s resources, particularly in an era of economic challenges. Opponents also argue that state creation may not necessarily translate to improved governance or development outcomes, pointing to existing states that struggle with financial viability and administrative capacity. These concerns will likely feature prominently in the debates as the bill progresses through the constitutional review process.
The Ibadan State bill also highlights the broader dynamics of federalism in Nigeria. The country’s federal structure, established to accommodate its diverse ethnic, cultural, and regional identities, has often been a source of contention. Advocates of state creation argue that it promotes inclusivity and decentralization, allowing regions to govern themselves more effectively. Critics, on the other hand, contend that Nigeria’s federal system is already overly fragmented, with too many states relying heavily on federal allocations rather than generating internal revenue.
As the bill moves forward, it will be closely watched by stakeholders across Nigeria. For the people of Ibadan, the prospect of statehood represents more than just administrative restructuring; it is a chance to reclaim their city’s historical prominence and secure a brighter future. The coming months will be crucial as the House Committee on Constitutional Review evaluates the proposal and engages with stakeholders in Oyo State and beyond. Whether the Ibadan State bill can overcome the constitutional and political obstacles remains uncertain, but its advancement through the second reading has reignited hope among its supporters.
In conclusion, the passage of the Ibadan State bill through its second reading in the House of Representatives marks a significant step toward addressing a long-standing aspiration in Nigeria’s South-West. While the journey to statehood is complex and fraught with challenges, the bill’s progress underscores the enduring desire for regional equity and recognition. As Nigeria grapples with questions of federalism and resource allocation, the Ibadan State proposal serves as a reminder of the power of local identity and the quest for self-determination within a diverse nation.
