9 New States IBB Created and How It Happened in 1999

On August 26, 1991, Nigeria changed in a huge way. General Ibrahim Babangida, who was the military ruler at the time, announced the creation of nine new states. 

The announcement surprised many Nigerians because no one expected such a major shift in the country’s map. It happened just before the sixth anniversary of the military coup that brought Babangida into power.

Even though the country was under military rule, this decision was not taken by the military alone. It came after months of secret lobbying and influence from powerful people in the background. 

Traditional rulers, wives of top government officials, and trusted members of Babangida’s government reportedly played a role in how the new states were drawn and where their capitals were placed.

This move came as a response to long-standing calls for more representation and better access to government, especially in regions that felt ignored for too long.

The 9 States Created in 1991

The nine states that were announced are:

• Edo
  
• Kebbi
  
• Anambra
  
• Enugu
  
• Taraba
  
• Kogi
  
• Osun
  
• Jigawa
  
• Delta
  

These states were carved out of older, larger states. Their creation brought more local control and helped reduce political tension in several areas. 

However, because the process was not open to public debate, some decisions led to complaints and disagreements.

Delta State – The most debated state

Among the nine, Delta State brought the biggest controversy. People from the old Delta province had been demanding a state of their own for years. So, many were happy when Babangida finally announced Delta State. 

The shock came when the new boundaries included the Anioma area from a different region. Another surprise was the choice of Asaba as the capital instead of a location in the Urhobo area, which had been widely expected.

This quickly raised ethnic tensions. Some groups felt cheated and feared the new arrangement would give too much power to others.

A leader of the movement for Delta State creation, Fred Agbeyegbe, helped reduce the tension when the announcement first came. He worked with community leaders to calm tempers and avoid violence while people adjusted to the new reality.

Why these new states mattered

The creation of these nine states changed Nigeria’s political and administrative structure forever. It brought governance closer to the people and gave more communities a voice. It also opened the door for more state creation demands, which still exist today.

Many Nigerians see 1991 as a turning point. Even though the decision happened under a military government, it responded to the popular desire for fairer representation. 

It also showed how politics in Nigeria can be shaped both inside and outside government.