There was mild drama on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday following remarks by Hon. Abass Adigun, member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency of Oyo State, who compared the size and population of few local government areas of Ibadan land with those of Bayelsa State and the entire South-East region during a debate on state creation.
Hon. Adigun, while making a case for the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo State, argued that the ancient city of Ibadan is large enough — both in landmass and population — to stand as a state of its own.
According to him, “Ibadan as it is today, the size, landmass alone is about 25 thousand plus square metres, while the whole South-East region that has five states today has about 33 thousand square metres. In terms of population, we have what it takes to be a state. One local government in Ibadan city, Mr Speaker, is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State — that’s the fact.”
The statement immediately sparked outrage among lawmakers from Bayelsa State and South-East, with several members interrupting him mid-speech.
“This is wrong,” one visibly angered lawmaker shouted. “You can’t say that!”
Another lawmaker demanded an immediate retraction of the statement, saying, “Let him withdraw that statement!”
As the session, presided by deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, grew rowdy, Adigun attempted to clarify his remarks, saying, “I am trying to correct my statement.”
Rising under Order 9 of the House Rules, Hon. Oboku Oforji, who represents Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, sought to correct what he described as a “misrepresentation of facts.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise this afternoon to raise a point of order on the issue,” Oforji said, while being recognised by the presiding officer.
“You are protected. I know the order; go ahead,” Kalu said, even as the chamber remained noisy.
Oforji stated, “I am not against the motion, but the issue that affects my dear state — about the square metre — if you look at the geographical area in Bayelsa State, Bayelsa is one of the largest in terms of landmass in the federation, whether you like it or not.”
In an apparent dig at Adigun, Oforji added, “For the young man here…”
His comment drew further disapproval with laughter from fellow lawmakers, prompting Kalu to intervene.
“Most distinguished colleague, your protection is not up to the extent of calling a senior parliamentarian a young man. I will remove your protection if you do,” Kalu cautioned.
Oforji immediately retracted his comment, saying, “For the honourable member…” and went on to apologise, which Kalu accepted.
“Mr Speaker, the issue here is very clear. My concern is that the landmass of Bayelsa State is one of the biggest in this country, as I earlier said. Now, for my honourable colleague to reduce Bayelsa State as of today to a proposed state is very demeaning, and I want this House, under your leadership, to ask my colleague to withdraw that statement for the interest of this House,” Oforji submitted.
Responding, Deputy Speaker Kalu clarified that there had been a misunderstanding, noting, “What he is trying to say is that there was a misrepresentation of facts in the debate of our brother Abbas.”
Following this, Hon. Adigun tendered an apology, bringing calm to the green chamber.
The House, thereafter, proceeded to pass the Bill for a second reading.
