City People Reveals All The Behind The Scene Moves
The call for a new Ibadan State is gaining momentum by the day and it is led by big names like the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. During his coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinu bu to create Ibadan State before 2027.
What are the key aspects of the Demand?
Oba Ladoja emphasized that the creation of Ibadan State is a top priority for the people of Ibadanland, urging President Tinubu to consider their request.
The Historical Context is this. Ibadan is Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, and proponents argue it deserves autonomous state status for better representation and development.
There is the Political Significance. The demand reflects long-standing aspirations of Ibadanland residents seeking deeper involvement in Nigeria’s federal structure.
City People gathered that a bill to create Oyo and Ibadan States passed its second reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives last year.
President Tinubu attended the coronation but didn’t explicitly comment on the Ibadan State demand, focusing instead on thanking Oyo State residents for their electoral support and highlighting Nigeria’s economic progress.
This request reflects the long-standing aspirations of Ibadan’s people, seeking autonomous state status for better representation and development.
Oba Ladoja conveyed his people’s message directly to President Tinubu during this his coronation ceremony, emphasizing Ibadan State creation as their top priority.
The city operates a unique, orderly monarchical system regarded as one of Yorubaland’s most peaceful.
Many don’t know that Ibadan accounts for 56% of Oyo State’s population, with 29 local governments and LCDAs, and over 3,089 villages under its authority.
What area’s will come under Ibadan state?
If Ibadan State is created, it’s proposed to comprise 32 local government areas, with Ibadan City serving as the Capital. Some of the local governments expected to be part of Ibadan State include:
Ibadan North LGA, Ibadan North East LGA, Ibadan North West LGA, Ibadan South East LGA, Akorede LGA, Ibarapa East LGA, Ibarapa North LGA, Ido LGA, Ona-Ara LGA, Apete LGA.
Ibadan’s population is approximately 4.2 million, triple that of some other states.
Ibadan spans about 28,000 square kilometers.
Advocates argue that Ibadan State would be economically viable with abundant agricultural land, water resources, mineral deposits (marble, gold, granites, kaolin, limestone), and tourism attractions like Old Oyo National Park.
The implications of creating Ibadan State are multifaceted, touching on economic, political, social, and cultural aspects. What are they?
Ibadan State would manage its internally generated revenue (IGR), potentially boosting local economic development.
New states could attract investments, improve public services, and create jobs, especially if focused on unique local needs.
With more states, federal allocation pie slices shrink, possibly leading to financial strain unless new revenue frameworks emerge.
Smaller states might encourage localized industries and competition for investments.
Ibadan State creation aims to deepen representation and promote development in Nigeria’s federal structure.
Traditional institutions like the Olubadan’s Council and urban technocrats may dominate politics.
Politicians will jostle for inaugural governorships, shaping local political cultures.
New states introduce emerging political actors, potentially challenging existing power structures.
Ibadan’s strong cultural heritage and urban economy could anchor governance.
It might deepen ethnic consciousness but also risks marginalizing smaller subgroups.
Agitations for state creation could evolve into governance-focused civil societies demanding accountability.
There are concerns about marginalization of Oke-Ogun region, highlighting potential inequities.
What is the way to achieve the creation? State creation requires constitutional amendment with National Assembly and state houses’ approval.
Debates surround economic and administrative sustainability of new states.
Although Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan urged President Bola Tinubu to create Ibadan State before 2027,
Hon. Akeem Adeyemi was the one who sponsored the constitutional amendment bill for Ibadan and New Oyo States.
What Are The Considerations
Constitutional Process: State creation requires constitutional amendment.
Viability Debates: Discussions surround economic and administrative sustainability.
Regional Balance: Impact on Oyo State’s existing structure and Oke-Ogun region concerns.
Which areas will be left out of Ibadan State?
If Ibadan State is created, areas likely to be excluded are those currently part of Oyo State that aren’t within the proposed Ibadan State boundaries. Based on the Bill proposing the division of Oyo State and the creation of a new Oyo State with Oyo town as its Capital would comprise areas like:
Ogbomoso North and South LGAs: Including Ogbomoso town
Atiba LGA: Headquartered in Ofa Meta
Atisbo LGA: Headquartered in Tede
Saki East and West LGAs: With Saki town being significant
Iseyin LGA: Known for its cultural heritage
Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola LGAs: Part of the proposed New Oyo State
These areas would likely form part of New Oyo State, leaving them out of Ibadan State. Ibadan State, on the other hand, is proposed to include:
11 LGAs in Ibadan: Like Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan South East
3 Ibarapa LGAs: Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North
What does the Bill say specifically about new Ibadan State
The Bill proposing the creation of Ibadan State is quite interesting. Essentially, it suggests splitting the current Oyo State into 2 entities: New Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital, and Ibadan State with Ibadan city as its capital.
The existing 33 local government areas would be divided between New Oyo State and Ibadan State.
The bill was sponsored by Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, son of the late Alaafin Adeyemi, along with 6 other lawmakers.
The bill passed its second reading in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Constitutional Review Committee for further action.
In terms of Population and Land mass, Oyo State is the largest in Southwest Nigeria, with over 5.5 million people (2006 census) and 33 local governments, prompting calls for division.
Proponents highlight Ibadan’s agricultural land, water resources, and mineral deposits like marble, gold, and granites.
There is also the historic fact that Ibadan is Nigeria’s largest indigenous city with cultural and intellectual heritage.
