Reps bill to create Ibadan, New Oyo states reaches final report stage

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A bill proposing the creation of Ibadan State and New Oyo State out of the current Oyo State has reached the final report stage in the House of Representatives.

The sponsor of the bill, Honourable Adeyemi Akeem Adeniyi, who represents the Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba Federal Constituency, disclosed this following a National Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the proposed restructuring seeks to fast-track development and improve governance across the region.

The bill outlines the creation of Ibadan State, with Ibadan as its capital, and New Oyo State, with Oyo Town as its capital. Hon. Adeniyi emphasized that the proposal is now at an advanced legislative stage and forms part of wider constitutional reforms being considered by the National Assembly.

The public hearing, held on September 22 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, was organized by the 10th House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution. It attracted several key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, legal experts, civil society groups, and political leaders. Notably in attendance was the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, alongside other Yoruba elders.

Issues discussed at the hearing included electoral and judicial reforms, legislative strengthening, inclusive governance, national security, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and the restructuring of states and local governments.

The proposal to split Oyo State was one of the highlights of the session, with strong backing from community leaders and advocacy groups. The final submission supporting the state creation bill was presented by representatives of the New Oyo State Forum Movement (NOSFOM), led by Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

Hon. Adeniyi reiterated that the demand for new states—particularly Ibadan and New Oyo—is rooted in the desire for equitable development, cultural representation, and improved access to governance. He called on his colleagues in the National Assembly to support the bill when it comes up for final consideration.