The Oyo State government has said it has no plan to scuttle the ambition of anyone to become Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
The state government’s position is against the backdrop of meanings being read in the circulation of a government gazette containing amendments to the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration.
Insinuations were rife that the government was keen on implementing the amendments so as to disqualify certain individuals from assuming the Olubadan stool.
The government’s position on the matter was contained in a statement issued by the state commissioner for information and orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.
According to Oyelade, the state only intended to implement the recommendation of the committee set up by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who carried out a review of the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration.
The committee, he noted, recommended, among others, that the 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-council be elevated to become beaded crown-wearing Obas.
Oyelade said the state only heeded the request by the late Olubadan to gazette the committee report and the amendments, which was done on July 14th.
While downplaying insinuations, Oyelade said it was unfair and preemptive for anyone to start the discussion on the next Olubadan when a new Olubadan had just been installed.
Oyelade said, “It is embarrassing that a few days after the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to the new Olubadan, HIM 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 the composition of the Ibadan land local government traditional councils and make the necessary recommendations.
“The Governor did this not only because it was a legitimate prayer from His Imperial Majesty, Ob, Alli Okumade ImI, but also in deference to the tradition and culture of Ibadanland.”
“The state government advised the people not to heat up the polity, as the government will continue to uphold what is right and the cherished tradition and culture of our people.
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