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A governorship aspirant under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin, has said that the review of Ibadan chieftaincy declaration of 1959 by Governor Abiola Ajimobi is constitutionally defective.
Lanlehin, who represented Oyo South senatorial district between 2011 and 2015, spoke when he paid a solidarity visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, in his Popoyemoja palace.
According to the lawyer, Ibadan model of choosing successive Olubadan is regarded everywhere as the best method, adding that “Ibadan culture is known everywhere. For this model, we are envied within and beyond. Many people emulate us for that. Succession to the throne is very clear.
“Kabiyesi, it’s not easy to get here; for 40 years, you climbed this ladder. There is nobody that won’t be happy when one of his family members becomes Jagun. You’ve worked for it, and you will reap it. May you live long on this throne.
“We are not stupid, we are just respecting laid down rules. I know what the law says about chieftaincy matters, especially that of Ibadan,. My late father was Osi-Balogun of Ibadan. Be rest assured, nothing will happen to you.
“I have been a lawyer for over 40 years. In native laws, there is nobody that can change chieftaincy laws except the indigenes of the town. Succession to the throne of Olubadan is in the chieftaincy declaration of 1959; If you want to review it, it must be gradual not at once. Every stakeholders, from the ordinary indigenes of the town to the highest ranked, will check it. Every town has its customs and traditions which must be followed,” he said.
He urged the monarch not be angry, adding that those who “betrayed you will retrace their steps. They will come back here.”
Responding, the monarch who was flanked on both sides by his wives, said he was not surprised with the former lawmaker’s visit, adding that he has been following his political journey for long.
He added that he is neither fighting Governor Abiola Ajimobi nor the state government, explaining that he is not the type who would want things to degenerate because he has been elevated. “Se o da ki eniyan pon ‘mi tan ki o wa da odo ru fun awon to nbo leyin? . That is why this illegality must be condemned and addressed…”
“If someone is to become Oba, there are rites to be performed. When late Oba Abass Alesinloye joined his ancestors, I was part of the funeral service. I never knew I would become a Mogaji not to talk of becoming the Olubadan. You will become governor by the grace of God,” he concluded.
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