The Ibadan High Chiefs elevated to Obaship status by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the Oyo were conspicuously absent at a reception organized as to mark the 90th birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, on Sunday.
The Ibadan High Chiefs, who recently made peace with Oba Adetunji, after almost one year of face – off with the monarch, as a result of the controversial review of the Ibadan chieftaincy law by the state government, stayed away from the International Conference Centre of the university of Ibadan, venue of the reception.
This made guests at the Olubadan’s 90th birthday party to suspect that their rift with Oba Adetunji was yet to be over.
One of the Olubadan’s aides, who spoke with Daily Independent under the cover of anonymity, expressed surprised that the High Chiefs decided to stay away from the party, despite the fact that they were given invitation by the state government.
That notwithstanding, the reception was attended by prominent traditional rulers, which included: Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; the Olugbo of Igbo, Oba Obateru Akirintan; and the Obanikoro of Lagos, who represented the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu.
Governor Ajimobi also attended the Olubadan’s birthday party in the company of his wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; former governor of the state, Adebayo Alao – Akala; and former Senate Majority Leader, Teslim Folarin.
Other dignitaries such as: Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland; Alhaja Aminat Abiodun, the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, the Are Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states; Engr. Seyi Makinde; Chief Sarafadeen Alli; Senator Gbenga Babalola; Primate Sunday Ola Makinde; and Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu.
In his welcome address, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Chairman of the Olubadan 90th birthday planning committee, noted that one of the lessons of the birthday celebration is that “the Yoruba tradition which the Olubadan represents, should be preserved, respected and protected”.
