Tensions briefly flared in the House of Representatives on Thursday when Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in Oyo State, made a comparison between the size and population of certain state-ai-solving-urgent-problems/” title=”How AI Systems in Niger … Are Tackling Urgent Challenges You Can't Ignore”>local government areas in Ibadan and those of Bayelsa State and the entire South-East region during a debate on the creation of new states.
Advocating for the establishment of Ibadan State separate from Oyo State, Hon. Adigun emphasized that Ibadan’s vast land area and population justify its status as an independent state.
He stated, “Currently, Ibadan covers over 25,000 square kilometers, whereas the entire South-East zone, which comprises five states, spans about 33,000 square kilometers. Population-wise, we meet the criteria to be a state. In fact, a ibadan-state-scales-second-reading-at-house-of-reps/” title=”Bill to create … … scales second reading at … of reps”>single local government area in Ibadan is larger than three local governments combined in Bayelsa State – that is an undeniable fact.”
His remarks immediately drew sharp reactions from lawmakers representing Bayelsa and the South-East, with several members interrupting him mid-discussion.
“That’s incorrect,” one visibly upset legislator exclaimed. “You cannot make such a claim!”
Another member demanded a formal withdrawal, insisting, “He must retract that statement immediately!”
As the atmosphere grew increasingly chaotic under the moderation of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Adigun sought to amend his comments, saying, “I am attempting to clarify my earlier statement.”
Invoking Order 9 of the House Rules, Hon. Oboku Oforji, representing Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, rose to address what he described as a “distortion of facts.”
“Mr Speaker, I stand to raise a point of order regarding this matter,” Oforji declared once recognized by the chair.
“You are protected. Proceed,” Kalu affirmed, despite the ongoing commotion.
Oforji argued, “While I do not oppose the motion itself, the claim about landmass is misleading. Bayelsa State ranks among the largest in the federation in terms of geographical size, whether one agrees or not.”
In a pointed remark directed at Adigun, he added, “For the young gentleman here…”
This comment elicited laughter and disapproval from other members, prompting Kalu to intervene.
“Honourable member, your protection does not extend to referring to a senior colleague as ‘young man.’ I will revoke your protection if you continue,” the Deputy Speaker warned.
Oforji quickly retracted, saying, “I meant honourable member…” and apologized, which Kalu accepted.
“Mr Speaker, the core issue is clear. Bayelsa’s landmass is substantial, as I have stated. To diminish Bayelsa to a mere proposed state is disrespectful. I urge this House, under your guidance, to request my colleague to withdraw that statement for the sake of decorum,” Oforji concluded.
Deputy Speaker Kalu then clarified the situation, explaining, “There appears to have been a misunderstanding. What our brother Abass intended was to correct some factual inaccuracies.”
Following this, Hon. Adigun apologized, restoring order to the chamber.
The House subsequently moved forward, passing the Bill for its second reading.
