PHOTOS: New Olubadan structure set for implementation

Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Chairman, Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, Justice Akintunde Boade (retd); and Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, during the submission of the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan… on Friday. Photo: Governor’s Office

A new structure for Olubadan chieftaincy is set to be implemented whereby the Olubadan of Ibadan land will now emerge after climbing 11 steps if on the Otun line and 12 steps if on the Balogun line.

The review recognises the Ikolaba as the entry point into the two chieftaincy lines rather than Jagun, while the age of the Mogaji will be pegged at between 25 and 35 years.

When implemented, current Jaguns will continue to gain promotion till they become Olubadan, while there won’t be appointment of new chiefs until the present Jaguns are elevated to the Ikolaba step.

These are among recommendations in the report of the Justice Akintunde Boade (rtd) led Judicial panel of enquiry on the review of the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadan land submitted to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Friday.

The report also states that 32 beaded crown obas will exist with the Olubadan remaining the paramount ruler.

The 32 beaded crown obas comprises 11 high chiefs and 21 baales, with the high chiefs to wait for ratification by the state governor.

On eligibility for beaded crowns, he said preference was given to the 11 high chiefs in the Olubadan-in-council, nine ancient baales, five baales who are members of the Oyo state council of Obas and Chiefs, one baale because of historical importance, two baales at the borders with Ogun and Osun, and four baales on basis of their historical antecedents.

Boade added that the panel arrived at the recommendations having considered 106 memoranda out of 120 received.

He however noted that the new structure may take about ten years before it fully takes effect.

Friday’s event held at Executive council chambers, Secretariat, Ibadan, had in attendance members of the Olubadan in council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, members of the state executive council, Caretaker Chairmen among others.

Ajimobi, in his remarks, reiterated that the review was to enhance the status of Olubadan, be in tune with what obtained in some other South West states, and move with changing times.

He assured that implementation of the report would commence in September.

Ajimobi had on May 19, 2017, inaugurated the panel to see to the existing requirements and qualification for ascendancy to the throne of Olubadan, review the selection process of Olubadan from Otun and Balogun lines and the possibilities of having more beaded crown Obas in Ibadanland.