Lawmaker pushes for creation of Ibadan, New Oyo States

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Chairman of the House Committee on South West Development Commission, Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, has renewed his call for the creation of Ibadan and New Oyo States from the present Oyo State.

Speaking during the Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos on Friday, July 19, 2025, Adeyemi said he had already sponsored a bill to that effect in the House of Representatives.

He explained that the proposed Ibadan State would consist of the 11 local government areas in Ibadan and the three in Ibarapa, with Ibadan city as the capital. New Oyo State would comprise four local governments in Oyo, 10 in Oke Ogun, and five in Ogbomosho, with Oyo Town as the capital.

Adeyemi, who represents Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba Federal Constituency, said he joined stakeholders including traditional rulers and elite groups from the regions to submit memoranda supporting the bill before the Constitution Review Committee.

He noted that Oyo is the only pre-independence province that is yet to attain state capital status, while Ibadan remains the only former regional capital in Nigeria without a state of its own.

The lawmaker said the proposal was not only about geography but about equity, development, and administrative efficiency, adding that the demand reflects the will of the people.

“With collective resolve and national will, creating New Oyo State and Ibadan State is within reach,” Adeyemi said.

He added that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to restructure the country for better governance and regional development.