House of Representatives Advances Bill to Create Ibadan State After Intense Second Reading Debate

The House of Representatives on Thursday witnessed a charged plenary as lawmakers engaged in a lengthy debate over the bill seeking to create Ibadan State from the present Oyo State. The bill, which successfully scaled its second reading, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing national discourse about restructuring and equitable distribution of power across Nigeria’s federating units.

During the deliberation, the House of Representatives gave ample attention to arguments both in favor of and against the proposed state, with several members emphasizing the historical, economic, and administrative relevance of Ibadan as a city of immense national importance. Many lawmakers noted that Ibadan, being one of West Africa’s largest and most influential urban centers, deserves recognition and administrative independence to fast-track development and governance.

The House of Representatives also took note of the sentiments expressed by representatives from Oyo State, who highlighted the persistent demand of the Ibadan people for their own state, dating back several decades. They argued that granting Ibadan statehood would not only address longstanding feelings of marginalization but also strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure by promoting inclusiveness and balanced regional representation.

House of Representatives Members Highlight Socioeconomic and Cultural Rationale

In a detailed presentation on the floor, the House of Representatives listened as proponents of the bill articulated the potential socioeconomic and cultural benefits of establishing Ibadan State. They underscored that Ibadan, with its vast population, vibrant economy, and deep-rooted cultural heritage, possesses all the prerequisites to function as an independent state. According to them, the creation of Ibadan State would lead to improved governance, efficient service delivery, and greater grassroots participation in decision-making processes.

The House of Representatives further heard arguments pointing out that Ibadan is not just a city but a historical entity that played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s pre- and post-independence political evolution. Lawmakers recalled that Ibadan served as the administrative center of the old Western Region and continues to stand as a symbol of Yoruba unity, intellectual excellence, and commercial vibrancy. Supporters of the bill maintained that its creation would serve as a well-deserved acknowledgment of the city’s enduring contributions to national growth.

Additionally, the House of Representatives acknowledged that the bill aligns with the constitutional provisions guiding state creation in Nigeria, including the need for a referendum, endorsement by the National Assembly, and ratification by the majority of state assemblies. Members emphasized that the legislative process must remain transparent, democratic, and inclusive to reflect the will of the people.

House of Representatives Refers Bill to Constitution Review Committee for Further Consideration

At the conclusion of deliberations, the House of Representatives Speaker referred the bill to the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for deeper legislative scrutiny and stakeholder engagement. The committee is expected to consult with critical agencies such as the National Boundary Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and local authorities within Oyo State to assess the feasibility, boundary demarcations, and administrative implications of the proposed Ibadan State.

The House of Representatives stressed that the creation of Ibadan State could set a precedent for other regions seeking statehood, hence the need for careful examination to ensure national unity and balance. Analysts say that if the process continues without obstruction, Ibadan State could become Nigeria’s 37th state, marking the first successful state creation in nearly three decades since 1996.

As the House of Representatives awaits the committee’s report, citizens, traditional rulers, and civic groups from Oyo State have begun mobilizing support for the proposal. While enthusiasm is high in Ibadan and neighboring communities, some experts have cautioned that Nigeria must weigh the economic sustainability of new states against existing fiscal challenges. Nonetheless, the debate over Ibadan State has reignited broader discussions about true federalism, equity, and the structure of governance in Africa’s largest democracy.