By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to create Ibadan State from the present Oyo State.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for the Creation of Ibadan State with Ibadan as the Proposed Capital City and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by Abass Adigun, who represents Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
It scaled second reading during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, after majority of lawmakers voted in favour.
Leading the debate, Adigun said the creation of Ibadan State would be a “monumental step” toward equitable development, stronger federalism, and the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration of Ibadan people. He highlighted Ibadan’s vast landmass and population as key justifications, noting that its size exceeds 25,000 square kilometres.
According to him, Ibadan has the capacity to function as a state, and its creation would bring governance closer to the people and improve resource management and representation.
Following the debate, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
It is one of 46 proposals for new states currently under consideration, alongside 117 requests for new local government areas across the country.
