The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji has stated that the controversial chieftaincy reform which culminated in the enthronement of 21 new kings in one day in the ancient city by the Oyo State Government is reversible.
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi at last Friday’s Id-el Maolud celebration at the Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan had been quoted as saying that there is no going back on the enthronement of the new kings.
Receiving hundreds of Bale (Family Compound Leaders) from Idi Arere, Popoyemoja, Isale Osi, Igbonna, Akuro, Gbodu, Bode and adjoining areas in his palace over the weekend, Oba Adetunji noted that he had lived long enough to know that God Almighty has the capacity to reverse the irreversible and return Ibadan chieftaincy system to the path of peace and harmony that had become the envy of people at home and abroad.
In a release by Adeola Oloko, the Palace spokesman, the frontline monarch stated further that the legal tussle over the controversial matter between the Oyo State Government and diverse stakeholders in Ibadan land is alive, adding that all parties to the dispute are advised to respect the rule of law by giving the court the chance to play its constitutional role of adjudicating in disputes without let or hindrance.
Said he; “Some people erroneously believe that the chieftaincy crisis is a personal conflict between Governor Ajimobi and Oba Adetunji. This is wrong. There are at least five suits in respect of the chieftaincy crisis in the Oyo State High Court as we speak. What this shows is that the generality of our people believe that the issue at stake is a matter of great public interest as well as the outcome. As Olubadan, I am merely a custodian of the tradition and custom of Ibadan people. With an oath before our forebears, I do not see how as a monarch I will compromise the tradition and custom of Ibadan people.”
The first class monarch contended that it was in order to give peace a chance that he had allowed different stakeholders to meet with him for what they called out of court settlement, adding that no peaceful resolution of the conflict could be achieved without repudiating the gazzette that has further deepened the lingering crisis.
Earlier, a spokesperson of the family leaders, Mogaji Aperin, Isale Bode, Ibadan, Chief Musiliu Ola Adekunle had commended Kabiyesi for his comportment in spite of provocations, praying that his reign would be peaceful throughout. He pledged the support and solidarity of all the family compound leaders, who came to visit Kabiyesi.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
