In what can be described as a demonstration of solidarity for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, over the installation of 21 new Obas in the ancient city, residents of the state capital, this afternoon, stopped the convoy of the monarch and cheered him.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi, had on Friday handed over letters of appointment as Obas to 8 high chiefs and 13 Baales, an action that has continued to generated arguments.
The Obas, 21 in numbers, were presented with staff of offices on Sunday.
The convoy of the monarch, who was apparently coming from a function, was said to have been stopped at Bere area of the town.
In areas like Agodi Gate, Oje, Bere, Oja’ba, Beere, Agbeni, Ogunpa, Dugbe, Molete and other environs, it was like a road show as the monarch, according to impecable sources, waved horse tail to the people who were hailing him. They ended up following him to his Popoyemoja palace.
Elated by the show of love, the monarch was quoted as telling the people that under no circumstance would he cede any part of his domain to another Oba.
Oba Adetunji, who received scores of Mogajis (family heads) who came to pay solidarity visit to him, restated opposition to the Governor’s action.
The monarch told Ibadan indigenes and residents alike across the areas visited that he would not surrender his sovereignty to any other Oba in the land.