TheNewsGuru

Tag: Olubadan

  • Coronation of new kings: Olubadan sues Ajimobi, 23 others

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has sued the governor of Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi and 23 others, for their involvement in the crowning of 21 kings in Ibadan on August 27, 2017.

    Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the eight high chiefs that were elevated to kings as well as the Baales that were conferred with kingship status.

    Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji distanced himself from the mass coronation of 21 new Obas.

    The Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, Rashidi Ladoja, has said Ibadan still has only one Oba, as the chieftaincy review and recommendations is still being treated in court.

    In the suit numbered I/1077/2017, which was filed at the High Court of Justice, Oyo State on September 19, 2017, the Olubadan is claiming that the governor violated the Chiefs Laws CAP 28 of the state in installing the new kings.

    The Olubadan is seeking an order setting aside the Gazette number 14 and 15 of Volume 42 of August 23 and 24, 2017 made by the governor and which conferred the right to wear crown and coronet on the elevated high chiefs and Baales.

    One of the lawyers of the king, Abiodun Abdu-raheem said his client had triggered sections of the state Chiefs Laws to challenge the defendants and that the governor did not fulfil the process as prescribed by the law before embarking on the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.

    “The governor exercised his power to elevate chiefs to kings acting under the provision of Section 28 (1) Cap 28 of the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State. The Olubadan is contending the fact that before you can exercise any power under the section of the Chiefs Law, you must as a matter of necessity consult with the Oyo State Council of Chiefs and Obas.”

    “There is no provision that says that the governor can waive consultation with the council if it is not sitting. The law is clear on this matter. As it is today, the Olubadan of Ibadanland is the chairman of that council, even though the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is contending that in court.”

    The Olubadan while receiving Senator Olufemi Lanlehin in his palace on Wednesday, has said that Ajimobi would not contemplate on removing him on account of his opposition to the review.

    “What the Olubadan is going through is not for himself or members of his family. It is on behalf of the whole of Ibadanland at home and in the Diaspora.”

    “…The law does not support the manner of change either by way of the process or the result. So, procedurally and substantially, it is wrong. The Chiefs Law is very clear. This law is about the declaration of each town. It is a Chieftaincy Committee that deciphers the customs and traditions of a particular people and codifies same and it is registered and thus become a declaration for the chieftaincy of that place,” Lanlehin said.

  • Oba’s coronation: Olubadan sues Ajimobi, Attorney General, 22 others

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has sued the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and 23 others, over their involvements in the crowning of 21 kings in Ibadan on August 27, 2017.

    Joined in the suit are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state, the eight high chiefs that were elevated to kings, as well as the Baales that were conferred with kingship status.

    Apart from the suit filed by Olubadan, there are others variously filed by Rashidi Ladoja, Abdul Jelil Karimu and others.

    In the suit with file number I/1077/2017, which was filed at High Court of Justice, Oyo State on September 19, 2017, the Olubadan is claiming that the governor violated the Chiefs Laws CAP 28 of the state, saying that Ajimobi does not possess the power and authority to confer anybody the right to wear a beaded crown and coronet.

    The Olubadan is also claiming that the crowing of the kings is illegal and void since the governor did not consult with the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    The Olubadan is seeking an order setting aside the Gazette Numbers 14 and 15 of Volume 42 of August 23 and 24, 2017 made by the governor and which conferred the right to wear crown and coronet on the elevated high chiefs and Baales.

    He said the governor’s action violated provisions of the CAP 28 of the Chiefs Laws of the state.

    The monarch, therefore, prays the court to set aside the installation of the new kings.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Governor Ajimobi had some few weeks ago presented staff of office to 21 monarchs in Ibadan apparently against the wish of the Olubandan.

    The governor further warned the Olubadan not to be involved or allowed himself to be used by politicians as the coronation of the 21 obas was in the interest of the people.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Olubadan who shunned the ceremony vowed to seek redress in court insisting the 21 monarchs were wearing cartons and not crowns.

  • Chieftaincy review: Thousands of Ajimobi cannot stop me from becoming Olubadan – Ladoja

    …says I remain Osi Olubadan of Ibadan

    The Osi Olubadan of Ibadan and former Oyo State Governor, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja has said the recent review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration law by the incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi cannot stop him from becoming the Olubadan of Ibadan land if God so wishes.

    Ladoja also said he was the prime target of the entire review process.

    The former governor said he was asked to either “join in the mockery of obaship and agree to be made a government-appointed oba” or forfeit his right to the throne.

    In a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, the former governor said he remained the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, adding that he would neither agree to being a government-appointed oba without a domain, chiefs and subjects nor “support an attempt at desecrating the Olubadan throne”.

    The statement said: “High Chief Ladoja believes that only God chooses the Olubadan, as clearly demonstrated in the divine enthronement of the current Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who was three steps to the throne. May God lengthen the years and reign of Oba Adetunji in sound health.

    “We will like to make it abundantly clear that thousands of Ajimobi can’t stop Ladoja from becoming the Olubadan, if it is the will of God.

    “People continue to ask the question: why the mockery of obaship in Ibadan is the most important thing to Ajimobi, of all the challenges facing his government? It is now clear that Ajimobi has found in this futile exercise, a distraction from his six years of misgovernment in the state.

    “Ajimobi is using temporary executive power for ego trip and feels that he is humiliating perceived enemies and playing God. Why should the governor turn himself into a kingmaker, ignoring the long-established peaceful, self-reforming chieftaincy system of Ibadan, which has become the envy of many cities because it is rancour-free?

    “Today (August 29) makes it exactly 21 months to the expiry of Ajimobi’s governorship. The state will surely be free from the stranglehold of the Emperor and the office will outlive the officer. Very soon, Ajimobi’s portrait will join those of ex-governors hung on the wall of the Executive Council Chambers. Whatever has a beginning must have an end.

    “Again, we will like to appeal to the people of Ibadan to remain calm and peaceful, even in the face of provocation, as this misuse of power, pursuit of vendetta and bastardisation of a rancour-free process will be challenged to the end through constitutional and peaceful means.

    “High Chief Ladoja is already in court over the matter and we await a judicial pronouncement on it soon. Ajimobi, who set up a panel disregarding Ibadan traditional system, received its report and interpreted its recommendations to suit his selfish agenda against the popular wish of the people of Ibadan and the Olubadan. This is laughable.

    “Without recourse to the House of Assembly, which has the constitutional duty to make or amend laws, he has appropriated legislative function and added such to his Executive role. This charade can’t obviously pass a judicial challenge.

    “We ask him to enjoy the remaining months of his governorship while it lasts.

    “We wish to remind him that he has booked an unenviable chapter for himself in the annals of the history of Ibadan and posterity will be judge him.”

     

  • Ajimobi presents staff of office to 21 new obas, warns Olubadan to stay away from politics

    …As Olubadan, Ladoja (Osi Olubadan), others shun ceremony

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Sunday presented staff of Office to 21 monarchs in Ibadan apparently against the wish of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The governor also urged the Olubadan to stay away from politics and not allow himself to be used by those he classified as disgruntled elements.

    In his words: ”We also congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland and advise that Kaabiyesi should remain the father of all Ibadan citizens and not allow himself to be used by disgruntled elements as observed in his recent utterances, which tend towards the political. It should be noted that Obas are not expected to play politics.”

    The Olubadan was absent at the event following his opposition to the upgrade of 21 former Baales and 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council, to Obas’ status.

    Each of the 32 upgraded obas bear the “His Imperial Majesty” title.

    The governor, who explained that the elevation of the baales and chiefs would in no way affect the status of Oba Adetunji, said his administration was not altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan chieftaincy structure.

    The new monarchs are those whose communities have history of near-independent origin but which are part of the larger Ibadan land.

    The governor said: “Each of the high chiefs will now be addressed as “His Royal Majesty” because they are now Obas, the former Baales will be addressed as “His Royal Highness”. All of them are under the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

    “The review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, according to Ajimobi, will further elevate the throne of the Olubadan and bring traditional governance closer to the people. The high chiefs will still move up the ladder as vacancies come up.

    “In practice, while the high chiefs still maintain their top positions as they operate as Obas, the most senior will be elevated from a second class oba to the position of the Olubadan once there is vacancy.

    In all, 21 new obas received their staffs of office at the Mapo Hall amidst fanfare.

    Former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan, who was among the 11 elevated high chiefs, was also absent. The 21 newly crowned Obas include eight high chiefs and 13 Baales.

    The new Royal Majesties who received their insignia and instruments of office are: Senator Lekan Balogun, who is also the Otun Olubadan; Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin, who is the Osi Balogun ; Tajudeen Ajibola, the Ashipa Olubadan; Oba Eddy Oyewole and the Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

    Others are: Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Dr. Kolawole Adegbola, the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.

    The new Royal Highnesses are: Oba Lasisi Akano, the Onijaye of Ijaye; Ismaila Opeola, the Oniroko of Iroko; Moses Akinyosoye, the Onikereku of Ikereku; Mudasiru Adebayo, the Ololodo of Olodo; and Victor Sunday Okunola, the Elegbeda of Egbeda.

    Others are: Oba Gbolagade Babalola the Onido of Ido; Olabamiji Thomas, theAlakufo of Akufo; Wahab Okedina, the Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Dauda Omotoso, the Alawotan of Awotan and Adeboye Salako, the Olofa of Offa. Rafiu Alawusa the Onilagun of Lagun; Tiamiyu Ladipo, the Alaba of Aba-Nla and James Obisesan, the Alakanran of Akanran.

    The arrival of the Oluwo of Ibadanland introduced a new twist into the event as he led all the monarchs to an inner chamber where all the traditional rites were performed.

    The monarchs acknowledged cheers from a crowd of well-wishers as they returned to the venue after the rites.

    Ajimobi said he was not changing the history of the chieftaincy system but elevating it. He assured all that the coronation would neither undermine the authority of the Olubadan nor alter the Olubadan succession plan in any way.

    He added that the administration was rather consolidating and elevating the status of the Olubadan, who as a Commander-in-Chief should have lieutenants.

    The governor accused some individuals of manipulating the the Olubadan after he enjoyed the understanding of the monarch with a mutual agreement after series of meetings.

    Stressing that he has no grudge against any individual over the resistance to the move, Ajimobi noted that the Olubadan remained his father, stressing that nothing can ever separate them.

    He promised to visit the Olubadan again to reassure him of the implication of the ceremony on theOlubadan traditional system.

    The governor said the coronation and promotion of the obas enjoyed the support of the Ibadan Elders Forum, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, community leaders and many prominent indigenes of Ibadan, adding that all the new Obas as stakeholders also desire the elevation of the Olubadan chieftaincy title to be in line with modern realities.

    He challenged the obas to use their positions to develop the people and the state, urging them to distance themselves from partisan politics that can have negative effects on their position.

    The governor, who arrived at the venue at about 1:40pm in company of his wife, Florence to a rousing welcome from the jubilant crowd, went down memory lane to explain that the review of the chieftaincy matter was not new. He said he would only be remembered as the first governor to implement the recommendations of the panel of inquiry.

    Oba Balogun, in his vote of thanks on behalf of the new obas, maintained that nothing was changing in the Olubadan traditional succession but that the innovation would add more prestige to the status.

    He said: “What we are doing is catching up with the rest of Yorubaland. This has been done in all other states of the Southwest. If we are asking for Ibadan state, are we going to have only a king for the state?

    “If the Olubadan is going out now, he will not go out alone because all kings in Ibadan will now go with him as the Imperial Majesty.

    “The governor has done the city a good favour. We are not contesting anything with the monarch. He remains the father of all of us in Ibadan and history will not forget Ajimobi for what he has done. I still remain the Otun Olubadan, so nothing has changed. The only thing that has changed is fashion and nomenclature.

    “Instead of being an high chief, I became a king under the Olubadan. The crown is just a fashion to give respect to our position and prestige to the Olubadan, who is the head of all kings in Ibadanland.”

    At the event were: Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olalekan Ali; Chief of Staff to the Governor Gbade Ojo; Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism Toye Arulogun, his counterpart at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Bimbo Kolade and other top government functions.

    Others include: Speaker of the House of Assembly Micheal Adeyemo, who led other lawmakers; Chief Adebayo Akande, Chief Lamidi Ajadi; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero; Chief Bayo Akande, Oloye K.O Latunji, Gbenga Arulogun, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola; the Mogaji of Ile Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi and All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman Chief Akin Oke, who was represented by the State Secretary, Mojeed Olaoya.

     

  • Olubadan distances self from coronation of ‘new obas’, says ‘I did not endorse it’

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, says he has no hand whatsoever in the proposed coronation of High Chiefs slated for Sunday at Mapo Hall by Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Governor Ajimobi had on Friday presented letters of conferment of Obaship titles to 30 out of the 32 obas recommended by the Justice Akintunde Boade (rtd) led Judicial Panel of Enquiry on the review of 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    The Boade-led panel had on Aug. 18 submitted its report recommending 11 Olubadan High Chiefs and 21 Baales to wear beaded crown in Ibadan.
    Olubadan had kicked against the review, saying he was not in support of it.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director, Media and Public Affairs to Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko, the monarch said 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, as being advertised in some media houses, l cannot see how, 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,” Adetunji said.

    The monarch said he considered any conferment of crowns on anybody as an exercise in futility until otherwise reversed.

    Adetunji said that it was going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.

    “Where is the humanity of the organisers of the programme when Ibadan land is still mourning the passage of the Otun Balogun, High Chief Femi Olaifa, who was one of them until Aug.24,” he said.

     

  • Olubadan kicks as Ajimobi presents conferment letters to Ladoja, 29 others as new Obas in Ibadan

    …Ladoja shuns ceremony, says we’ll challenge Ajimobi’s decision in court

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday shocked many as he presented letters of conferment of obaship titles to 30 high chiefs and baales.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the new obas are among the 32 recommended for the position by the Justice Akintunde Boade panel that reviewed the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Nine of the obas are members of the Olubadan-in- Council.

    They include HRM Oba (Sen.) Lekan Balogun, who doubles as Otun Olubadan; HRM Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin, Balogun of Ibadanland; HRM Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Balogun of Ibadanland; HRM Oba Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; and HRM Oba Abiodun Kola- Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland,. The rest are: HRM Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; HRM Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland and HRM Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola, Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.

    Former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja who was also nominated for elevation was however absent. The remaining 21 obas were,until Friday that they got their letters, baales. The Olubadan,Oba Saliu Adetunji is fiercely opposed to the new dispensation,dismissing it as a joke carried too far. Senator Ladoja who was absent having gone to court to seek an order to aside the panel’s recommendations. Also absent was the Otun Balogun, High Chief Femi Olaifa,who died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan yesterday morning. He was Special Adviser on Parastatals to Second Republic President Shehu Shagari.

    The letter dated August 25, 2017 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs. Olawunmi Ogunesan, said the confirment of the new titles takes effect from “Friday, 25th, August, 2017” The letter explained that the conferment qualifies each of the new obas to wear a royal beaded crown and addressed as His Royal Majesty while each of the newly promoted 21 baales will be addressed as “His Royal Highness”. The Olubadan of Ibadan will be addressed as His Imperial Majesty in the new order. Government ,in the letter, says it derives its authority from Section 28(I) Cap. Vol. 1 of the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, the recently amended 1959 Declaration of Olubadan, relevant Chieftaincies in Ibadanland and the Government White Paper as conveyed in Ibadanland, in Government Gazzette No 14, Notice 27 Vol. 42 of 23rd August, 2017.

    It added:”The Governor, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has graciously approved the conferment of obaship on you with effect from Friday, 25th August, 2017. “By this conferment, you shall henceforth wear a royal beaded crown in line with the provisions of the amendments.” Some of the 22 baales promoted to obaship status include the Oniroko of Iroko, Onikereku of Ikereku, Olodo of Olodo, Alaba of Abanla, Onilagun of Lagun and Elegbeda of Egbeda. Others are Alakaran of Akanran, Alajia of Ajia, Onido of Iddo, Alawotan of Awontan, Onijaye of Ijaye, Alakufo of Akufo, Olofa-Igbo of offa Igbo, Oloke of Okelade-Akin, Olugbon of Ile-Igbon and Ologburo of Ogburo Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the coronation and presentation of instrument of office will come up tomorrow, at Mapo Hall where all the crowns will be on display.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Olalekan Alli, said the new status is in the best interest of Ibadanland and the state, adding that it would not undermine the powers or status of the Olubadan in any way. The Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, said the newly promoted obas are to wear smaller crowns that will not demean that of the Olubadan in any way. Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oba Lekan Balogun thanked the governor for his doggedness and commitment to ensuring the implementation of a long overdue effort. He promised that the new monarchs would work with the state government to bring rapid development to the people, Ibadanland and the state as a whole. Earlier at a press conference yesterday,the new obas said the governor was in order and that the new dispensation will enhance the honour and influence of Ibadan as a city.

    Oba Balogun who spoke for them said the review enjoyed the support of wellmeaning Ibadan indigenes who would love to see the throne of the Olubadan attain the title of ‘imperial majesty’ in its real sense. Balogun explained that the review would not erode the authority of the Olubadan because he will remain the head of all other traditional rulers and title holders in the entire Ibadan land. Balogun also emphasized that the review would not affect the ascendancy system as the high chiefs will continue to move up the ladder until the lucky one mounts the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadan land. He said all other obas will remain under the authority of the Olubadan, adding that the baales who are being elevated also deserve the promotion because of their historical background.

    However, former governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja who was also nominated said the development was against the law and contempt of court.

    When contacted, the former governor told newsmen: “I’m sure you are aware that I am in court to prove that the government does not have the right to interfere in the Olubadan chieftaincy matter,” he said when contacted yesterday. “And I am sure government has been served court processes because the Attorney General (AG) was in court for hearing on Monday. “The AG said nothing would be done. So, I’m not interested in anything they are doing because it is illegal. Ibadan chieftaincy issue is a native, local law, not a state law. So, it is the business of Ibadan people.”

     

  • Chieftaincy laws: You have no right to tamper with the system, Olubadan blasts Ajimobi

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has said the recently reviewed chieftaincy laws was an aberration of the system as no king, governor or chief have a right to tamper with the system without proper consultation with the people concerned.

    The monarch said the recommendation of 32 crowns for Ibadan by the Boade Commission set up by Oyo State was a joke too far.

    Reacting to an interview granted the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, on a Splash FM programme, Oro Sunnukun, the ruler, who spoke through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Adeola Oloko, insisted his opposition to the chieftaincy review remained same.

    According to him, the erroneous impression in that interview was that Kabiyesi had, at one time, opposed the chieftaincy review before he changed his mind to support it.

    Oba Adetunji said: “For the avoidance of doubt, there was never a time the Olubadan supported the review embarked upon by the Oyo State government. This was why the first-class monarch did not submit any memorandum nor make any representation to the panel. When, last week, the panel submitted its report to the governor, the public would vividly remember that the Olubadan was not in the picture, because he was not invited.

    “The young and old in Ibadan know that the Ibadan chieftaincy system is not a creation of the government. It is a creation of Ibadan people. No king, no governor, no elite, no high chief has the right to tamper with the system without recourse to our people.

    “How many town hall meetings has the state government convened before arriving at the conclusion that Ibadan deserves 32 crowns? To show ignorance of our tradition, the panel lumped up our highly respected high chiefs with baales, who are always nominated by the family mogaji.

    “Secondly, if the traditional institution wants a review, it is not the duty of government to spearhead the review. It is the duty of the Olubadan-in-council to sit down and look at what they want to review and register same to the state government for approval.

    “In Ile-Ife, which the commissioner mentioned in the interview, this is the tradition. The Osun State government did not spearhead the review. In Lagos and Ogun states, the case is similar.

    “Besides, there are two cases in court on this same issue, which the Oyo State government is not unaware of.

    “Thirdly, you do not have to be a member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to know the creation of royalties and crowns is a matter for discussion and deliberation. So, the question is: how long ago has the council met? Therefore, it is an exercise in futility to embark on the creation of new crowns and royalties without first resolving these issues.

    “Besides, how many emirs are in Kano city, if you are talking of size and population? How many Sultans are in Sokoto? And how many queens are in England? Kabiyesi will not be able to attend the meeting called by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to discuss the issue slated for August 23 (today) because of a subsisting court order as Olubadan is a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria.”

     

  • Court adjourns hearing on Olubadan chieftaincy review

    An Oyo State High Court on Monday adjourned hearing in the case filed by former governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja, against the panel reviewing the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration till September 5.

    Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, asked the court to set aside the report submitted to Governor Abiola Ajimobi by the Justice O.A Akintunde – led Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the review.

    The panel, which was inaugurated on May 19 with the mandate to, among others, review the process leading to the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, submitted its report to the governor on Friday.

    It recommended the crowning of 32 obas in Ibadan with the Olubadan as the paramount ruler.

    Lead counsel to Ladoja, Mr. Michael Lana, in a motion filed before Justice M.I Sule, asked the court to nullify the proceedings of the panel and its report.

    Lana also prayed the court to compel Justice Boade and members of the panel to appear before it to explain why they should not be punished for contempt.

    But the motion could not be moved as the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola, who appeared for Governor Ajimobi, said the governor was yet to be served with the processes.

    But the application to have the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun, removed from the suit was moved by Lana.

    Balogun, who initially filed the suit with Ladoja, later opted out of the matter.

  • Ibadan to have 32 ‘smaller Obas’ as Olubadan retains paramount ruler title

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State Friday vowed to implement every recommendation put forward by the judicial Commission of Inquiry on the review of the existing 1957 (1959) Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and Other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland, promising to begin the implementation next month.

    Receiving the formal report of the commission at the executive chamber of the governor’s office, Ajimobi noted that implementation of recommendations had always been a big challenge for all governors who had set up similar commissions to look into the review of the chieftaincy law in the state.

    Meanwhile the commission recommended 11 high Chiefs and 21 baales to wear beaded crowns in the state while also reducing the long steps required for individuals ascending the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland among others.

    The commission, set up on May 5, 2017 with seven members and an initial four weeks to submit its report later requested for additional time while additional four members were added, making a total of 11.

    According to the governor, implementing the recommendations will not only justify the efforts, commitments and resources committed into the course but would also give answer to the yarnings of the numerous stakeholders and prominent indigenes who were calling for the review.

    Ajimobi who traced the genesis of effort to review the law to the time of General David Jemibewon up to his immediate predecessor in office, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala said, just like himself, his predecessors were requested by concerned stakeholders including prominent individuals, socio cultural based groups and others, to look into the chieftaincy laws, which compelled his administration to take the bold step to look into the matter.

    He described as “fortunate and unfortunate” the situation in which virtually all his predecessors could not implement any of the recommendations of the panel they set up assuring that his administration will be remembered for implementing the review

    While assuring that the intention was never to demean the office or status of the Olubadan in anyway, Ajimobi reiterated that it is to upgrade the office and make it in tandem with modern realities as practiced in all other states of the region.

    He said: “We set up this panel out of the request of many members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the CCII and many other stakeholders just the same way they requested many other governors before us.

    “Since the time of Jemibewon, all the governors that were in office set up commission of enquiry to look into the matter but unfortunately and fortunately they were unable to implement the recommendations of the commission.

    “Even Governors Alao-Akala and Ladoja regime also set up the enquiry to review the same law but what we are doing is not new but what is new about it is that we will be placed on record as the government that will implement this review.

    “The review is necessary to review the status of Olubadan but not to deminish him. It is to upgrade and make it in line with what obtains in Lagos, Osun, Ogun and other states. Particularly to make it in line with current trend. By reviewing this law we are democratising traditional rulership in our state”

    The governor who commended the members of the commission, members of the Centre Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) the Olubadan-in-Council and the Olubadan of Ibadanland for their overwhelming support for the review noted that the support gave him the necessary philip and conviction that he is on the right path on the matter.

    He stressed that the revelation that over 120 memoranda were collected on the matter shows the enormity of individuals who are interested and are in support of the review adding that the number remains the highest ever received on any issue and subject whose the views of the people were sort.

    While presenting the report, Chairman of the commission, Justice Akintunde Boade disclosed a total of 120 memoranda were received, three struck out on the basis of not relevant to the terms of reference while nine of the people who submitted memoranda refused , failed or neglected to give oral evidence in support of their memoranda.

    He added that after a careful assessment of all the memoranda submitted, 106 of the 120 memoranda were given due consideration.

    Noting that the report was prepared in three volumes for convenience, the Chairman said, the main report, containing the findings and recommendations of the commission is in volume I, the memoranda received by the commission compiled in volume II while volume III of the report contains the day to day proceedings of the commission.

    Giving a hint into the key recommendations of the commission, the Chairman said the steps to ascendancy to the throne has been reduced from 22 to 11 and 23 to 12 on the Otun Olubadan line and Otun Balogun line respectively.

    He added that if the government will approve the recommendations, atleast 32 beaded crowns monarch will emerge while the Olubadan remains the paramount ruler and overall head of Ibadanland.

    The retired justice also said the age limit for a mogaji, the least on the wrung of the ladder has has been reviewed to between 25-35 and thereby placing an embargo on the appointment of new chiefs.

    However, the commission emphasised and restate the “unassailable fact that the Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland remains the only paramount ruler in Ibadanland”

    He said: “With reference to thr third term of reference on the wearing of beaded crown, the Commission received a total of 91 memoranda. Two of the memoranda were struck out for being irrelevant to the term of reference while five of the memoranda were not supported by oral evidence. The commission considered 84 memoranda on their merit.

    “In considering the various applications for the wearing of beaded crowns, the commission gave preference to the eleven high chiefs in the Olubadan-in-Council and the carefully identified nine ancient Baales which are found eligible and five baales who are members of the Oyo state council of Obas and chiefs.

    “We also considered four other baales on the basis of their historical antecedents”

     

  • Iyaloja sues Olubadan, others for title stripping

    The Iyaloja of Ibadan, Chief Labake Lawal, has sued the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan-in-Council and the new Iyaloja, Chief Iswat Ameringun, for stripping her of her title.

    Lawal was stripped of her title in March and Chief Ameringun installed as the Iyaloja.

    She filed the suit at an Oyo State High Court.

    In the suit by her counsel, Akinjide Sadiq and others, Lawal is seeking a declaration that appointment and installation of the third defendant as Iyaloja of Ibadan land by the first and second defendants on March 20 is illegal.

    She said the appointment and installation was not only wrong, but also violates her rights to natural justice.

    She prayed the court to declare her opponent’s appointment null and void and of no legal effect.