Ibadan intellectuals and sociocultural group otherwise known as “The Ibadan King’s Men (Egbe Bobaselu)” has welcomed the current reconciliation efforts aimed at finding amicable solution to the misgivings generated by the crowning of 21 new kings in Ibadan, five months ago.
A spokesman of the group, Dr. Adams Olufemi Akewula, in a press statement after the emergency meeting of the group over the weekend, said all members of “The Ibadan King’s Men” are happy that solutions are being proffered to the crisis.
Akewula, however, said “such reconciliation should respect Ibadan Native Laws and Tradition wherein, Olubadan remains the only recognised Oba of the city”.
He said members reviewed the ongoing peace parley spearheaded by an elder statesman, Dr. Lekan Are, with members from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes; religious leaders, opinion moulders; Ibadan elders; and some Mogajis (family heads) and expressed confidence in the composition of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
The varsity don described as unfortunate the backlash that followed the crowning ceremony by the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, but was quick to add: “All the people involved should retrace their steps now for enduring peace and tranquility of the city.”
He also applauded the concern shown by spectrum of Yoruba Obas and lately the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, adding: “The Ibadan King’s Men are lovers of peace but will not welcome any reconciliation that will downplay the place of Olubadan and any ulterior motive at rewriting the chequered history of the land for selfish and political reasons.”
The group has therefore lauded the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, for being a royal father with distinction in his conduct and peaceful mien since the crisis broke out, adding: “If not for the matured manner with which Kabiyesi has taken the matter, the city would have been embroiled in a needless blood letting.”
The Ibadan King’s Men therefore solicited the support and cooperation of all sons and daughters for Kabiyesi to succeed on the throne of his forebears in a way that history would be kind to him as a monarch “who came, saw and conquered”.
