Abuja, Nigeria: Momentum builds as the House of Representatives passes the second reading of a bill to create Ibadan State, with Rep. Abbas Adigun championing the cause.
Citing Ibadan’s size, population, and historical significance, lawmakers say the move marks a bold stride toward federal equity and long-awaited regional recognition.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Abbas Adigun (PDP-Oyo), was considered and passed at plenary on Thursday.
Leading the debate on the bill, Adigun argued that while Enugu and Kaduna, once capitals of the former Eastern and Northern regions respectively, had since become states, Ibadan had not.
According to him, the bill represents a monumental step towards equitable development through federalism and the realisation of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan.
The lawmaker argued that Ibadan has the population and landmass to become a state, maintaining that one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three council areas, put together, in some states.