The 1947 Richard Constitution politically splited the Nigeria State into Three regions; Eastern, Northern and Western regions with each having her freedom of governance. In 1963 the fourth region; Mid Western Region was created from Western region. The coup of 1966 and the subsequent military take over of leadership saw the end of all regional government. Gen. Yakubu Gowon pioneered the states creations in 1967. The last state creation exercise was by Gen. Sani Abacha in 1996. And the demand for more has persisted.

1947 Three Regional Structure:

A fourth Region -Mid west region was created after the plebiscite on August 8, 1963 by an act of parliament; with the capital at Benin - City.

On May 27, 1967, the Military Government of Yakubu Gowon created twelve states just as Emeka Ojukwe declare the Republic of Biafra, bringing to an end the regional arrangement of administration.

On February 3, 1976, the Military Government of Murtala Mohammed created new states and renamed others.

Ibrahim Babangida created two new states on September 23, 1987.

Ibrahim Babagida created nine states on August 27, 1991.

Some states, which were shared, got new names or their capital changed. Old Anambra Capital changed From Enugu to Awka Old Gongola became Adamawa State What was left of old Bendel state was renamed Edo State