Can you imagine the map of Nigeria’s southwest changing—age-old boundaries redrawn and new powerhouses rising? As the constitutional review unfolds, the call for new states in southwest Nigeria is gaining explosive momentum, stirring emotions from Ibadan to Ijebu and beyond. This isn’t just typical politics; for many, it’s about long-standing identity, long-awaited fairness, and a future where forgotten communities finally get their due.
“Inside the Unfolding Story: Southwest’s Great State Creation Debate!” The House of Representatives is currently reviewing bills that could reshape the region as we know it. According to Hon. Benjamin Kalu, chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review and the House deputy speaker, this constitutional amendment—initiated in January 2025—is set for completion by December of that year. With proposed states like Ijebu, Ibadan, Oke Ogun, and Ife Ijesa getting legislative attention, Nigerians are holding their breath to see if this unprecedented shakeup will emerge by the next election cycle.
Why Is There a Strong Push for New States in Southwest Nigeria?
Let’s be real: State creation in Nigeria is hardly ever just about drawing lines on paper. It’s an emotional journey, often driven by generations-long pleas, developmental imbalance, or feelings of being sidelined. Many grassroots communities in the southwest have been agitating for autonomy, claiming their unique histories and economic realities are overlooked by current structures.
Now, as bills for these new states inch closer to reality, citizens are asking—Who stands to gain the most if lines shift in their favour? Could this be the answer to ethnic tension and stifled development? Or are there hidden pitfalls waiting to spring?
Oyo State: At the Heart of the Ibadan and Oke Ogun Debate
If you’ve ever driven through Bodija market or joined the bustle of Ibadan’s Ring Road, you’ll know the city has always prided itself as more than just a state capital. Today, Ibadan’s push for its own statehood is louder than ever. According to traditional ruler Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the clamour for Ibadan State reflects the overwhelming voice of Oyo’s capital, who want autonomy ahead of the 2027 polls. This movement, he said during his inauguration as Olubadan, is not just political—it’s deeply personal for Ibadan indigenes.
The October 2024 bill proposing Ibadan and Oyo as distinct states passed its second reading in the House. If it eventually crosses the final hurdles, Oyo State as we know it will be split in two, granting both cities capital status. The loudest voices are not just politicians, but community leaders and elders who see this as a necessary step for unity and development.
Wale Adeagbo, an Ibadan-born legal expert, reportedly told Legit.ng that the quest is genuine and widely supported. However, he raised a concern: “To truly capture the unity we seek in this agitation, we must avoid making divisions that ignore our shared identity.” His view reveals a layer many are reluctant to discuss—state creation could deepen rather than bridge local rivalries if not handled with care.
“I don’t think this Bill will fly, although I haven’t read the content of the Bill itself. What I seem to get from the video is that some parts of Oyo State will still be sidelined. Why is the Capital of the proposed State Oyo and not Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, or Saki?”
Source: Twitter
Ogun State: Resurrecting the Ijebu State Dream
If you ask an Ijebu elder, they’ll tell you this agitation isn’t new—inside stories from decades past reveal activists from the Ijebu axis have been on this journey since military rule. This historic region, known for its entrepreneurial zeal and unique culture, has always argued for recognition of its distinctive identity within the larger Ogun state.
Bills seeking to create Ijebu State have passed the second reading, a powerful signal that the House of Representatives is taking age-old frustrations seriously. Proponents say Ijebu’s economic strength and legacy warrant separate administrative control. Yet, naysayers wonder if carving out states might lead to wasteful bureaucracies or political tension. Where do you stand on this matter—should development or unity hold sway?
Osun State: The Ife-Ijesa State Bid
From the ancient city of Ife—widely regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization—to the industrious communities of Ijesa, Osun State could also see dramatic change. The bill for Ife-Ijesa State is currently under legislative suspense. If passed, Osun would be the third southwestern state to witness a significant split. Those in favour believe it will bring resources directly to neglected areas, spurring growth that benefits everyone.
However, experts like Benjamin Kalu note that the constitutional process is complex and proceeds with caution. Even as legislators push for completion in December 2025, doubts remain. Will these new states actually deliver grassroots empowerment, or will they spark “wahala” down the road by deepening suspicion among neighbours?
What Are the Potential Pros and Cons of Creating More States?
- Pros:
- Reduces marginalization by shifting political power closer to the people
- Can accelerate development in underserved or overlooked regions
- Boosts local representation and cultural identity
- Cons:
- May lead to increased administrative costs and duplicated bureaucracy
- Risk of intensifying ethnic or communal rivalries
- Potential revenue-sharing disputes between new and old states
According to local analysts, Nigeria’s past attempts at state splits have yielded mixed results. While some areas saw new infrastructure and better representation, others experienced fresh struggles over scarce resources and status.
Beyond State Creation: Police Pension Reform at the National Assembly
There’s another significant development making waves in Abuja: the House of Representatives recently passed a bill to separate the police pension fund from the National Pension Commission. Lawmakers are working to establish a distinct Nigerian Police Force Pension Board, a move aimed at improving retirement security for officers. Under the new bill, the police pension system would be clearly different from the military and other forces—ending years of complaints about unfair treatment, according to House proceedings as of October 21.
What Happens Next in the State Creation Saga?
With December 2025 set as the target for constitutional amendments, southwest Nigeria stands on the cusp of history. Will new states finally emerge after decades of passionate advocacy, or will concerns about unity, funding, and governance delay the process yet again?
The outcome will shape not just state boundaries, but the very fabric of Nigerian politics—reaching from the grassroots to the halls of power in Abuja. For now, all eyes remain on the National Assembly, where this battle of identity and governance is just heating up.
Final Thoughts: Should Nigeria Create More States in the Southwest?
The stakes have never been higher. Will new states bring balance and opportunity—or simply add to Nigeria’s already complex federal architecture? Let us know what you think: Is this proposal a masterstroke for fairness, or a Pandora’s box for regional politics?
