Indigenes of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have declared that the major demand of the people of the ancient city from the Federal Government is the creation of ‘Ibadan State’.
The indigenes made this declaration during a press conference to herald the 20th anniversary of Legacy Stars of Ibadan which is one of the clubs under Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on Saturday.
President of the club, Mogaji Saheed Oyewale while addressing journalists at the event held at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo in Ibadan North Local Government Area, noted that the creation of Ibadan State is long overdue.
Oyewale who said that several steps had been taken to achieve Ibadan State, insisted that state creation is the major demand of the people of the ancient city from the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
He added that the club has contributed in many ways to the development of the ancient city.
Oyewale also urged the state government to address the issue of land grabbing in the state and encourage more people to embrace agriculture.
“Creation of Ibadan State is our priority. That is our major concern. It is long overdue.
“Despite the fact that railway line passed through Ibadan, no indigene of Ibadan was named after a terminal. We have to look at the selection of people in government too.
“But our major concern is the creation of Ibadan State. We have been clamouring for it.
“We want the government to look at the issue of land grabbing too. We want the government to do something on it.
“We want the government to look at the issue of agriculture. We want the government to bring a policy that will help for reservation of some lands for developmental projects.”