Ibadan State Bill Triggers Fiery Debate in House of Reps: Claim That One Ibadan LG Is Larger Than Three in Bayelsa Sparks Outrage
A heated debate has erupted in Nigeria’s House of Representatives after a bill proposing the creation of Ibadan State passed its second reading. The controversy was ignited by remarks from Rep. Abass Adigun (PDP-Oyo), who claimed that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State.” His remark, made during the plenary session, unleashed criticism from representatives of Bayelsa and stirred emotions over regional equity, state creation, and constitutional procedure.
What Happened: Key Facts
1. Bill Passed Second Reading
On October 9, 2025, the House of Representatives voted for the second reading of a bill to create Ibadan State, carved out from the existing Oyo State.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency.
2. Arguments in Support
Adigun argued that Ibadan has the population, landmass, and infrastructural capacity to warrant statehood. He referenced historical precedents, pointing out that other former regional capitals — like Enugu and Kaduna — have become states.
According to him, the creation of Ibadan State would deliver better administrative efficiency, foster local development, and more equitably distribute resources.
3. The Controversial Statement
During the debate, Adigun asserted that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State.”
Obuku Ofurji, representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa, rejected the comparison, saying it was “irrelevant and disrespectful.”
Adigun later apologised but maintained that his data were factual, defending his point as central to the case for creating Ibadan State.
4. Next Steps
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review.
Any new state creation requires constitutional amendment, which demands several steps: 2/3 majority support in both chambers of the National Assembly, approval from the state assemblies in the area, and ultimately, a referendum.
Reactions & Controversy
Bayelsa State’s Response: Bayelsa representatives, notably Obuku Ofurji, strongly rebuked Adigun’s assertion about the comparative sizes of LGAs. The response stressed that such remarks undermine respect among states and set a dangerous precedent in state creation discourse.
Support Among Ibadan and Southwest Stakeholders: Backers of the bill have emphasised that Ibadan’s case is about fairness, resource allocation, and administrative capacity. They argue that larger cities with high economic output like Ibadan suffer from over-centralisation under Oyo State’s administration and that a separate state would help decentralise services and governance.
Constitutional and Legal Challenges: Critics warn that beyond the emotional and political arguments lies a difficult constitutional path. Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution sets stringent requirements for state creation; many past proposals have failed due to inadequate support or failure to meet those thresholds.
Broader Context: Why the Fuss?
Historical Precedent: Ibadan was once one of the most important cities in Nigeria’s old Western Region but has never had state status in its own right, unlike former regional capitals such as Enugu and Kaduna. This precedent feeds into the sense of grievance among proponents.
Population & Landmass: Proponents claim that Ibadan’s population alone is around 4.2 million and that its land area covers approximately 28,000 square kilometres, giving it scale and density that justify state status.
Governance & Equity: The call for more states often springs from concerns over service delivery, local representation, resource distribution, and infrastructural development. Residents argue that smaller, more focused administrations can better address local needs.
Analysis & Implications
The rhetoric comparing one Ibadan local government to several in Bayelsa underscores how data and statistics are becoming tools in political and regional debates. But it also shows how sensitive comparisons of size, population, or development can quickly turn into accusations of disrespect.
If the bill eventually succeeds, Ibadan State could become Nigeria’s 37th state, further changing the political configuration in the Southwest, shifting administrative burdens, revenue sharing, and political representation.
Yet, success is far from guaranteed: constitutional amendments have high thresholds; there must be strong legislative, state assembly, and popular support. The reaction from Bayelsa also suggests pushback from other states might emerge, particularly when comparisons are made that imply superiority or disparage other areas.
The recent move in the House of Representatives has reignited longstanding calls for the creation of Ibadan State. While supporters emphasise population, landmass, and equitable representation as compelling reasons, critics warn of constitutional hurdles and regional sensitivities—especially when comparisons are sharply made. The statement that an Ibadan Local Government is “bigger than three in Bayelsa State” may have ignited the controversy, but the dispute reflects deeper issues around state creation, identity, and fairness in Nigeria’s federal system.
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