With the decision of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji to distance himself from Oyo State Government’s plan to crown 21 Obas in Ibadanland on Sunday, tension is said to have gripped residents of the ancient town – especially those living around Mapo Hall, in Central Ibadan where the event is billed to hold.
A cross section of residents who spoke with PMParrot from Oje, Beere, Oranyan, Agbongbo, Orita Merin, Idi Arere down to Bode express fears and anxiety over what they termed ‘battle of titans’ as the Olubadan and the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi get set to ‘flex muscles’.
Said one of the residents: “We are not happy that the two leaders cannot agree on the issue of the appointment of new Obas. They should think of we, the masses when making decisions. The Olubadan has his own rights while the governor too has his. They are our leaders, they should agree instead of openly confronting one another”.
However, the state government has swiftly reacted saying that there is no ‘tension’ anywhere, our people are happy with the decisions of the state government’.
The representative of the government, Mr Toye Arulogun who is also the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, who spoke on the phone with PMParrot on Saturday evening said “the rumoured tension is the handiwork of some people. Look, there is nothing going to happen tomorrow. All arrangements have been concluded to hold the coronation programme. Our people should come out enmasse to celebrate with their new Obas.”
Meanwhile, the Olubabadan, while speaking through the Palace spokesman, Adeola Oloko maintained his stance that he will never be associated with the planned ‘coronation’.
Read the full text of the Olubadan’s message:
“Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has stated that he has no hand whatsoever in the proposed coronation of High Chiefs slated for Sunday 27/08/2017 at Mapo Hall by the government of Abiola Ajimobi and that his name being bandied around in some quarters as the father of the day at the occasion does not enjoy his blessing.
“I have said it for the umpteenth time that I am opposed to the chieftaincy review and its recommendations as the process for such exercise has not been followed. Therefore, I cannot see how, as being advertised in some media houses I could possibly play a fatherly role in an exercise that I have not endorsed?’
“Besides, as the father of Ibadan indigenes irrespective of political and ideological persuasion, I cannot attend an occasion where local government executives of one political party have been sending text messages to the party members in Ibadan land to mobilise for the event as if it is a political rally.’
“So, as the prescribed and appointing authority on Ibadan Chieftaincy matters, I consider, until otherwise reversed, that any conferment of crowns on anybody is an exercise in futility. More so, it is going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.’
“Also, where is the humanity of the organizers of this programme when Ibadan land is still mourning the passage of the Otun Balogun, High Chief Dr. Femi Olaifa, who was one of them until Thursday 24th August?”
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
