The House of Representatives has passed the second reading of a bill proposing the creation of Ibadan State from the current Oyo State. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Abbas Adigun representing the Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East federal constituency, seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to officially establish Ibadan as a new state with Ibadan city as its capital.
During the plenary session on October 9, 2025, Adigun argued that Ibadan, as a former capital of the old Western Region, has long been left out in the state-creation process compared to other regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna, which have become states. He described the bill as a monumental step toward equitable development through federalism and the fulfillment of the people's long-held aspirations.
The lawmaker emphasized that Ibadan possesses the population size and landmass that justify its statehood, noting that some local government areas in Ibadan are larger than entire council areas in other states, such as Bayelsa.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative consideration. If passed through all constitutional stages including approval by the Senate, the state House of Assembly, local government councils, and a referendum in the area it may lead to the official creation of Ibadan State.
This bill adds to ongoing discussions about state creation in Nigeria, a process that involves complex constitutional requirements and political negotiations. The creation of Ibadan State is seen by supporters as a move to decentralize power, enhance development, and better represent the people of the city and its environs.