A fresh twist was yesterday introduced to the crisis rocking the recent review of 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration as the Ibadan Council of Obas issued a notice of dethronement to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I.
The Ibadan Council of Obas said they gave a 21-day ultimatum to Oba Adetunji to reconcile his activities with the provisions of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Review, otherwise they will pass a vote of no confidence in him.
The traditional rulers, who also form the kingmakers of Ibadanland, issued the ultimatum at a press conference held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, which was addressed by Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who is the next in rank to Olubadan.
But, the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who was also against the review of the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration, was not at the press conference.
Balogun accused Olubadan of acts unbecoming of his office as the paramount ruler of Ibadan, alleging further that the monarch had flouted the provisions of the Cchieftaincy Law.
According to them, Oba Adetunji has allegedly been taking unilateral decisions and purportedly promoting civil disorder in the city.
The Ibadan Council of Obas also accused the two wives of Oba Adetunji, of misleading the monarch, thereby, causing embarrassment to the palace withtheir alleged excesses.
Oba Balogun said: “Olubadan-in-Council meetings are not conducted the way they ought to be. Oloris were still attending meetings with us and contributing, dictating, attacking which resulted to abuses and curses on the high chiefs. The appointment of Baales and Mogajis are not in compliance with proper set up rules and standards.
“Apart from the monetary scandals of which Kabiyesi is yet to refrain, a new Olubadan-in-Council is inside Popoyemoja palace consisting of Olubadan, the Oloris and personal assistant to Olubadan (Tairu), who decide from time to time who is to be Baale or Mogaji and will only send hearing notice of meeting and agenda to the real members of Olubadan-in-Council on Saturday preceding the installation date on Monday.
“This leaves no time for protest, and any attempt to protest on Monday is fruitless as Kabiyesi believes he is not challengeable.
“The Olubadan, Oba Adetunji, has since after the inauguration of the Beaded Crown Obas in Ibadan, cultivated himself to misbehave by engaging in acts capable of causing civil disorder, by parading himself about with some unscrupulous Mogajis in Ibadanland, inciting people to rise against the legitimate administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
“This is a serious offence.We, the Ibadan Council of Obas, can pass a vote of no confidence on him; afterall, we, as kingmakers, nominated and appointed him for confirmation and approval by the executive governor. We can also call for his removal.
“We are, by this conference, giving His Imperial Majesty 21 days ultimatum to change his style now and work for the improvement of Ibadan, rather than disorderliness.”
Governor Abiola Ajimobi had, in May 2017, set up a judicial commission of inquiry, headed by Justice Akintunde Boade that reviewed the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration. The panel submitted its reports in August and recommended that the 11 members of the Olubadan-in-Council be upgraded to beaded crown wearing monarchs.
The panel also recommended that some village heads (baales) be promoted to coronet wearing kings.
The panel also recommended that the name of the council be changed to Ibadan Council of Obas to reflect the new status of the members, and that council meetings should be held at the Mapo Hall.
However, Oyo State Government after approving some of the recommendations of the panel, published a gazette, which culminated into installation of 21 new kings in Ibadan on Sunday, August 28, 2017. The new kings comprised eight willing members of the council, while Ladoja rejected the crown. The other two members of the council had died before the installation. The remaining 13 new kings are the former baales.
Oba Adetunji was against the review of the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration and installation of new kings that are subject to him.
But, Oyo State Government said the installation of new kings would not diminish the status of Olubadan, rather it would enhance the status.
Both Oba Adetunji and Ladoja had dragged the state government, the governor, the new monarchs and the chairman of the judicial commission to the Oyo State High Court, challenging the review of Olubadan chieftaincy declaration and installation of new kings. The matters are still pending before Justice Olajumoke Aiki.
The press conference was attended by Balogun of Ibadaland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; Osi Balogun of Ibadanlan, Oba Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Amidu Ajibade; Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kola Adegbola, as well as many Mogajis (compound heads).
Director, Media and Public Affairs to Oba Adetunji, Mr. Adeola Oloko, when contacted, said the palace would react to the ultimatum and the allegations levelled against the monarch, his wives and other people at the appropriate time.
|Sun
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