Some youths have protested against plan by the Oyo State government to install 32 beaded monarchs in Ibadan, the state capital.
This followed the recommendation at the weekend, by a panel headed by Justice Akintunde Boade to review the traditional institution.
The youths, under the aegis of Integrity Youths of Ibadanland, said installing new monarchs would cause generational damage and the cherished unity among Ibadan sons and daughters.
Led by their president, Ojekunle Wasiu, the youths said if adopted, it would destroy the orderly, peaceful and self- reforming traditional system, which had endeared the city to other states in the southwest.
The panel had recommended that new monarchs be installed with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji becoming the paramount ruler of the ancient city.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, has said that the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, lacks the power to stop the state government from executing the Olubadan chieftaincy review being planned by the state government.
Kolade, stated this at an event hosted by his friends in recognition of his contributions to the state government.
On Wednesday, the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Adeola Oloko, described the report of the commission set up by the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi to review the chieftaincy system in Ibadan land as a “joke carried too far.”
According to the youth leader: “This recommendation would be highly counter-productive. We are urging the state government to have a rethink on the matter to forestall future conflict.
“The government should do the needful by conducting local council poll, which is the only way that people at the grassroots can benefit from development, rather than the installation of more kings.”
The youths cautioned the government not to compare the Ibadan chieftaincy system with other towns or cities in Yorubaland.
They called on all Ibadan sons and daughters across the world to avert future crises.
