* Gov Seyi Makinde
By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Friday July 19, 2024
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GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, distanced himself from an alleged clandestine move to stop or scuttle the ambition of the next in the hierarchy to Olubadan stool, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja or anyone from becoming the next Olubadan.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday the government said it believed that it was not only premature, but also unfair and preemptive for anyone to start discussion on the next Olubadan when a new Olubadan had just been successfully installed.
“It is embarrassing that few days after the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, some citizens are already looking over the shoulders of the new oba and ascribing the government gazette that implemented the recommendation of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to a ploy to disqualify certain individuals.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the last Olubadan, Ọba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, set up the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to review and deliberate on the needed reforms of the Ibadan chieftaincy, the extant chieftaincy declaration and composition of the Ibadanland local government traditional councils and make the necessary recommendations.
“After extensive review and deliberation, the committee recommended among others that the 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council be elevated and approved as beaded crown wearing obas,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner revealed that the late Oba Balogun, Alli Okumade II, in a signed letter to His Excellency, the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and dated February 5th, 2023, proposed that this reform be incorporated into the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957.
“Few months later, on 14th July, 2023 precisely, the amendments were gazetted.
“The governor did this not only because it was a legitimate prayer from Oba Dr. (Sen.) Balogun, but also in deference to the tradition and culture of Ibadanland.”
The state government, therefore, advised the people not to heat up the polity, “as government will continue to uphold what is right and the cherished tradition and culture of our people.
“Government wishes the Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Ibadanland.”
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