Bill to Create Ibadan State Passes Second Reading in House of Reps Weeks After Olubadan Appeals to Tinubu 

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that weeks after the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure Ibadan State is created before 2027, a bill seeking to create a new state in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the bill sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, proposed an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to establish Ibadan State from the current Oyo State.

OTN News learnt that during the Thursday’s plenary, Adigun argued that Ibadan, once the capital of the old Western Region, deserves statehood, noting that other regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna have since become states. 

He described the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development and true federalism.”

Buttressing his points, Adigun cited Ibadan’s large population and landmass as justification, claiming that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three in Bayelsa State.” 

OTN News further learnt that his comment sparked protest from Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Ofurji, who called it “disrespectful.” 

However, Adigun later apologised but maintained that his statement was factual.

Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further consideration.