It is now a settled matter that Ibadan high chiefs turned monarchs will not be ‘dethroned’ by the Governor-elect of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde.
Makinde promised not to dethrone them for accepting to be crowned kings by the outgoing government of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Rather, Makinde vowed to ensure unity within the Ibadan traditional institution.
The Governor-elect spoke on Saturday when members of the Olubadan-in-Council, led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, visited his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence.
The visitors included High Chief Hamidu Ajibade, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi and High Chief Eddy Oyewole.
Makinde, who expressed his appreciation of the chiefs’ visit, told his guests: “I know what is agitating your minds. During the campaign period, some people were saying that I would dethrone you if I was elected. I want to tell you that there is nothing like that.
“My stand is that I want the Olubadan-in-Council as one body. Whatever I can do to see reconciliation done, I am ready. It is about give and take. The history I grew up to read and know is that the traditional council reforms itself.
“We know there is no cause for alarm on the development of Ibadan. And being here today, you have demonstrated your usual humility and respect. We are here to rejoice with you,” he said.
“Anything and everything I can do to see the traditional institution become one body, I will do it, but I won’t impose anything. Count on me that we will resolve this within the shortest time so that Ibadan traditional institution will become one.”
Earlier, the Otun Olubadan, Chief Balogun, commended Makinde for his humility and appealed to him to be non-partisan in administering the state.
Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, explained that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the governor-elect and wish him a happy tenure.
“We are happy to see your emergence as the next governor of the state. We regard you as our governor and we will rally round you to ensure that you succeed. We are sure you will perform and want to advice that you are not partisan”.
Credit: oyoinsight.com
