Southwest Nigeria's State Creation Push: Ibadan, Ijebu, Coastal Among 5 Proposed Territories
5 New States Proposed for Southwest Nigeria: Full List

Southwest Nigeria's State Creation Push: Ibadan, Ijebu, Coastal Among 5 Proposed Territories

Recent legislative activity has brought renewed attention to proposals for establishing new states within Nigeria's Southwest geopolitical zone. Multiple bills currently advancing through the National Assembly seek to amend the constitution and carve out additional territories from existing states.

Nigeria's current federal structure comprises 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, organized across six geopolitical zones. Each state maintains its own governance apparatus, including a governor and legislative assembly, responsible for delivering essential services, security, infrastructure, and economic development.

Detailed Overview of Proposed Southwest States

The movement for new states represents a significant political development, with five specific proposals gaining legislative traction:

  1. Ijebu State (Proposed from Ogun State)
    • A constitutional amendment bill sponsored by Representative Olufemi Ogunbanwo and three colleagues passed its second reading in the House of Representatives during October 2025.
    • The legislation aims to create Ijebu State from the current Ogun State territory.
    • Former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel has emphasized that success requires unity among the nine local governments constituting the historic Ijebu Province.
  2. Coastal State (Proposed from Ondo State)
    • Senator Jimoh Ibrahim championed this initiative, with the bill passing first reading in the Senate during 2024.
    • During a July 2025 public hearing, Senator Ibrahim presented detailed arguments, highlighting the potential to serve approximately 2 million residents from Ondo South.
    • Proponents argue the new state would possess sufficient economic resources for financial independence while contributing to national growth.
  3. Igbomina State (Proposed from parts of Osun and Kwara States)
    • The Igbomina people formally called for state creation in July 2025 through their State Creation Committee.
    • They proposed Ila-Orangun in Osun State as the capital, aiming to unite Igbomina communities currently scattered across Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara states.
    • Committee leaders emphasized this represents a constitutional demand for reunification rather than secessionist agitation.
  4. Ibadan State (Proposed from Oyo State)
    • The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu in September 2025, requesting approval before 2027.
    • The House of Representatives advanced the corresponding bill to second reading in October 2025, proposing Ibadan as the capital city.
  5. New Oyo State (Proposed from Oyo State)
    • This complementary proposal, also passing second reading in October 2025, envisions creating New Oyo State with Oyo town as capital.
    • The existing Oyo State would be renamed Ibadan State under this arrangement.
    • Advocates cite abundant agricultural, mineral, and tourism resources as foundations for regional development and equitable governance.

Constitutional Challenges and Historical Context

Creating new states remains an exceptionally challenging process under Nigeria's constitutional framework. Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution mandates extensive legislative approval and demonstrates broad public support through rigorous procedures.

The last successful state creation occurred in 1996 under the military administration of General Sani Abacha, which established six new states. Since Nigeria's return to democratic governance, numerous attempts to create additional states or adjust boundaries have failed to overcome constitutional hurdles.

Beyond the Southwest, similar movements are emerging in the South-South and South-East regions, with Senator Ned Nwoko recently reigniting calls for Anioma State in northern Delta State. The National Assembly's ongoing constitutional review process provides the legislative vehicle for these proposals, though success requires navigating complex political and procedural landscapes.

The growing list of state creation bills reflects persistent regional aspirations for improved governance, economic development, and administrative efficiency. However, the constitutional amendment process demands substantial political consensus and public mobilization, making immediate creation unlikely despite increasing legislative activity.