A bill seeking the creation of a new Ibadan State from the present Oyo State has scaled through its second reading in the House of Representatives, marking a significant step toward possible constitutional amendment.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, who represents Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, advanced during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja.
Leading debate on the bill, Adigun argued that Ibadan—despite being one of Nigeria’s oldest and most historic cities—deserves state status, noting that other former regional capitals such as Enugu and Kaduna have already become states.
“This bill is about fairness and recognition. Ibadan was once the administrative headquarters of the old Western Region and has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political history,” Adigun said.
The proposed amendment seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to officially create Ibadan State, joining a growing list of similar state-creation demands across the country.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the Constitution Review Committee for further legislative consideration.
The push for Ibadan State has also gained traditional backing. Last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the state’s creation before 2027, calling it a long-overdue recognition of Ibadan’s political and cultural importance.
