The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking the creation of Ibadan State from the present Oyo State.
The bill, which was first introduced on October 10, 2024, was reintroduced for debate during Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, marking another step in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Leading the debate, Hon. Adeyemi Adeniyi, who sponsored the bill along with six other lawmakers, said the proposal seeks to split the present Oyo State into two entities — a redefined Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital, and a new Ibadan State with Ibadan city as its capital.
The lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in support of the bill, which now proceeds to the committee stage for further legislative action before returning for a third reading.
The renewed push for the creation of Ibadan State comes amid growing agitation from political and traditional leaders in the region.
Weeks earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdulrasheed Ladoja, had appealed to President Bola Tinubu to expedite action on the creation of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
If eventually passed, the bill will require concurrence from the Senate and the endorsement of other constitutional stakeholders before Ibadan State can be formally established.