The House of Representatives is gearing up to discuss a bill advocating for the creation of three additional states in the South-West region.
The bill, set for its first reading, is championed by Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, and the chair of the House Committee on Judiciary.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the proposed amendment to the First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution aims to introduce new states while adjusting the number of Local Government Areas.
If the bill progresses, Ijebu State will encompass several LGAs, with Ijebu Ode as its proposed capital. Oke-Ogun State, proposing Iseyin as its capital, would include 12 LGAs.
Meanwhile, Ife Ijesa State is envisioned with 11 LGAs.
The bill, labeled “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amendment Bill, 2024),” could elevate the South-West region to surpass the North-West, currently leading with seven states.
To achieve passage, the bill must gain support from two-thirds of both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, in accordance with Section 9(1) of the Constitution.
Notably, Sections 9(2) and (3) outline specific procedures for constitutional amendments, especially concerning the creation of new states.
Mr. Oke submitted the bill on February 6, 2024, emphasizing its importance for further legislative action.
The South-West currently comprises six states, and the Constitutional Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is set for inauguration on February 26, 2023.
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