…Adigun’s argument gained some support from a section of lawmakers, who described the move as long overdue
IBADAN, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | A heated debate erupted in the House of Representatives on Thursday after Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, made a controversial statement comparing the size of Ibadan city to that of the entire South-East region of Nigeria.
Adigun’s remarks came while he was defending his bill seeking the creation of a new Ibadan State, to be carved out of the present Oyo State and parts of Ondo State. The proposed bill successfully scaled second reading amid intense arguments and emotional reactions from lawmakers across different geopolitical zones.
During his presentation, Adigun stated that the size and population of Ibadan justify its eligibility for statehood. He went further to make a sweeping claim about its geographical expanse.
“Ibadan as it is today, the size is about 25,000 square meters while the whole South-East region with five states is about 33,000 square meters. In terms of population, we have what it takes to be a state.”
He added that,
“One local government in Ibadan city is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State.”
The statement immediately triggered loud murmurs and protests from several members of the House, particularly those representing constituencies from the South-East and South-South regions, who described the comparison as misleading, disrespectful, and factually incorrect.
Lawmakers from the South-East caucus reportedly demanded that Adigun withdraw his comment, arguing that such statements were not only inaccurate but capable of breeding unnecessary regional tension. Some also accused him of trying to undermine the geopolitical balance in the country by making unfounded geographical claims.
Despite the uproar, Adigun maintained his stance, insisting that his remarks were not meant to offend anyone but to emphasize the developmental capacity and historical importance of Ibadan. He stressed that the city, being one of the oldest and largest in West Africa, deserved recognition through state creation.
Adigun said the creation of Ibadan State would not only enhance administrative efficiency but also promote equitable distribution of resources and foster faster development within the South-West region.
His proposal, however, continues to attract mixed reactions among lawmakers and the general public. While some see it as a genuine call for fair representation and regional balance, others argue that it is ill-timed and insensitive, especially in light of the South-East’s long-standing demand for an additional state.
Currently, the South-East geopolitical zone remains the only region in Nigeria with five states, while other zones have six or seven. Over the years, various groups and political leaders from the South-East have consistently advocated for the creation of a sixth state to correct the perceived structural imbalance.
The issue of state creation has remained a recurring topic in Nigeria’s constitutional discourse, often surfacing during national conferences and constitutional review processes. However, despite multiple proposals and public hearings, no new state has been created since 1996, when the then military government of Gen. Sani Abacha established Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara States.
Adigun’s argument gained some support from a section of lawmakers from the South-West, who described the move as long overdue, noting that Ibadan’s rich history, economic potential, and cultural significance make it deserving of statehood.
Recently, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fast-track the creation of Ibadan State, saying it would bring governance closer to the people and accelerate development.
Meanwhile, the iNews Times reports that several civic groups have also begun to weigh in on the debate, with some calling for balanced state creation that would address both the South-East’s demand for fairness and the South-West’s clamor for Ibadan State.
As the bill proceeds to the next legislative stage, political analysts predict fierce debates and regional lobbying, especially as lawmakers from different zones seek to advance their geopolitical interests.
For now, Adigun’s statement has not only reignited conversations around state creation and regional equity but also exposed the deep sensitivities that continue to shape Nigeria’s federal structure.
