The House of Representatives has advanced efforts toward the creation of a new state in the South-West, as a bill seeking to establish Ibadan State from the present Oyo State passed its second reading on Thursday.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Abass Adigun, who represents the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to officially recognise Ibadan as a state.
Leading the debate, Adigun described the proposal as “a monumental step toward equitable development through true federalism and the fulfillment of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan.”
He emphasized Ibadan’s historical importance as the former capital of the old Western Region, noting that other cities such as Enugu and Kaduna, which held similar status, have since attained statehood.
According to him, Ibadan has the population size, economic strength, and landmass necessary to qualify as a state. He added that “a single local government in Ibadan is larger than three combined local governments in Bayelsa State.”
His remark, however, drew a sharp reaction from Obuku Ofurji, the member representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, who called the comparison “irrelevant and disrespectful.”
Adigun later apologised for the statement but maintained that his claims were based on verifiable facts, urging fellow lawmakers to support the bill in the spirit of fairness and balanced national development.
Comments