The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has reflected on his over one year on the throne, saying land and boundary disputes remain the most pressing challenge he is facing as a monarch.
The first class monarch who received the Prof. Taoheed Adedoja-led Olubadan Advisory Committee at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace over the weekend has therefore warned the so-called Omo Onile to steer clear of Ibadan in their own interests.
Noting that being a monarch has its own share of ups and downs, Oba Adetunji wondered why land disputes have somehow assumed such a worrisome dimension in recent times.
Said he “We have a Ghana-must-go bag full of land petitions in the palace. It is from this bag that we take out land petitions that we discuss on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week subject to availability of time. A couple of times, we have had to approach the National Archives.”
According to him, almost every local government in the less city and Ibadan metropolis is affected, making the application of stiffer penalty by the government against land trespass and defrauding of the unwary and innocent people imperative.
Earlier, the committee’s chairman, Prof. Adedoja who was also a former Minister of Special Duties and Sports congratulated Oba Adetunji on his first coronation anniversary. He prayed God to give him long life.
Mogaji Mogannna, Engr. Lere Adigun who prayed God to grant the Olubadan more wisdom to discharge his responsibilities stated that since Kabiyesi inaugurated the advisory committee over a year ago, they have been working on various ideas that would make Oba Adetunji’s reign successful.
The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Barrister Niyi Ajewole stated that part of efforts is the biography of the 41st Olubadan which would soon be completed and publicly presented. He expressed hope that readers stand to gain a lot from the life and times of Oba Adetunji.
Gifts were later presented on behalf of the 17-member committee by Mrs Bolatito Joseph, Deputy Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan.
Eekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade congratulated the advisory committee for their invaluable contributions so far to the successful reign of Oba Adetunji, saying the strength of the monarch is God Almighty and the human resources around him.
Those present at the occasion included Olori Kudirat, Olori Rasheedat Adetunji; committee secretary, Mr. Jide Laniyonu; veteran journalist, Alhaji Kola Animasaun and Comrade Akinpelu.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
