The bill, titled "A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for the Creation of Ibadan State", was sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency. Leading the debate, Adigun argued that Ibadan, as a historical and administrative centre that once served as the capital of the old Western Region, possesses the necessary population and landmass to justify its independent statehood. He cited the historical precedent of former regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna, which have long since achieved state status.
The controversy erupted when the lawmaker presented his supporting evidence on the city's size. "Ibadan as it is today, the landmass alone is over 25,000 square kilometres, while the entire South-East region, which comprises five states, covers about 33,000 square kilometres," Adigun stated. He further pressed his argument by claiming that "one local government in Ibadan city is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State".
The comparison was instantly met with a point of order by Hon. Obuku Ofurji, representing the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State. Ofurji swiftly rejected the claim, labelling the comparison as "irrelevant and disrespectful" to his state. The objection triggered a rowdy session, as lawmakers demanded the sponsor of the bill withdraw his statement.
Hon. Adigun subsequently apologised for the remark that caused offence but stood firm on the factual basis of his size and population arguments, maintaining that the data supported his position.
Despite the heated exchange, the proposed legislation ultimately passed its second reading. Presiding over the plenary session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action. The move signals a major step forward for the long-held aspirations of the Ibadan people, which were recently re-echoed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who appealed to President Bola Tinubu for the state's creation before 2027. The creation of a new state remains a complex and arduous constitutional process, requiring widespread approval across the National and State Houses of Assembly.