Bill for Creation of Ibadan State Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives.

A bill seeking to create a new state in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to establish Ibadan State from the current Oyo State.

During Thursday’s plenary, Adigun argued that Ibadan, once the capital of the old Western Region, deserves statehood, noting that other regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna have since become states. He described the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development and true federalism.

Adigun cited Ibadan’s large population and landmass as justification, claiming that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three in Bayelsa State.” His comment sparked protest from Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Ofurji, who called it “disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but maintained that his statement was factual.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further consideration.

The proposal aligns with renewed agitation for state creation across Nigeria. In September, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure Ibadan State is created before 2027.

Creating a new state under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly, the affected state’s assembly, local councils, and a referendum supported by two-thirds of residents in the proposed area.

No new state has been created in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

El-Rufai Warns Tinubu Could Become ‘Nigeria’s Paul Biya’

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks becoming “Nigeria’s Paul Biya” if not voted out in the 2027 elections. Hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused the APC-led government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and posing a greater threat to democracy than past military regimes.

He described Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals,” cautioning that failure to act decisively in 2027 could entrench authoritarian rule similar to Biya’s decades-long stay in power in Cameroon.

El-Rufai: Tinubu Govt Worse Than Military Regimes

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a bigger threat to democracy than past military governments. Speaking during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai labeled the government “a disgrace to the principles of democracy,” accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and centralizing power at the expense of federalism.

He compared Tinubu to Cameroon’s Paul Biya and warned that unless stopped in 2027, Tinubu could entrench himself in power. El-Rufai added that even past military leaders, including Buhari, were more tolerant of opposition than the current administration.

Atiku commended El-Rufai’s boldness and urged opposition leaders to unite in order to democratically unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Civil War: Gowon distorted Aburi Accord history, Group claims.

ABUJA – A group, Rising Sun, has accused Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, of distorting the history behind the failure of the historic Aburi Accord of 1967, which they claim led to the Nigerian Civil War.

The group, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, asserted that Gowon’s recent explanation for the Accord’s breakdown was misleading and an attempt to rewrite history.

The statement, jointly signed by Chief Maxwell Dede, President of Rising Sun, and Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, the group’s Secretary, condemned Gowon’s claim that the Accord failed because General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu demanded that regional governors’ control the military.

Instead, the group argued that the demand for regional control of security forces was a legitimate push for justice and true federalism.

Fasoranti advocates Nigeria’s return to 1963 Constitution: Hails Buhari on recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day
National leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has reiterated the need for the country to return to the 1963 Constitution, referred to as the Republican Constitution, which he said was equipped with the necessary framework for true federalism.

According to the elder statesman, in a statement commemorating June 12, the 1964 Constitution provided room for autonomy for federating units.

Fasoranti, who congratulated Nigeria on the historic and momentous milestone in the nation’s democratic journey, emphasised that the present political structure was inadequate to address the country’s complexities.