The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade I, and the Central Council of Ibadan Indegenes have called for the creation of Ibadan State and removal of immunity clause from the constitution.
The Olubadan and the CCII, which is the umbrella body of all socio-cultural organisations in Ibadan, spoke on Saturday at the public hearing coordinated by the representative of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Kayode Busari.
Among others, creation of new states and local government councils, abolition of state electoral commissions, removal of immunity clause, creation of state police, and terms of office of president, governors and local government chairmen topped the agenda of the Ibadan people.
The Olubadan who was represented by the Ekarun Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole, advised the various towns and villages under Ibadan to stand by the resolution of Ibadan in the ongoing public hearing.
He said, “Creation of states, removal or reduction of immunity to the president, governors and local government chairmen and the recognition of traditional institution are very paramount to us as Ibadan people.
“Immunity is very good but has been grossly abused by the elected office holders. Elected officials should be ready to submit themselves for trials if charged for criminal matters.”
Busari, who is a lawmaker on the platform of the Accord Party, said the military designed the 1999 Constitution as the country’s guiding framework without proper consultation and inputs from Nigerians.
He said, “We have all seen that the constitution is due for a review. Many of us don’t even know when the 1999 Constitution was being put together. Our efforts at reviewing the constitution through public hearing today is being replicated in 359 other federal constituencies across the country.”