The move by Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration received a boost on Wednesday, as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and members of the Olubadan-in-Council endorsed the move.
The governor had, on May 19, inaugurated a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry, headed by a retired High Court judge, Justice Akintunde Boade, to review the existing chieftaincy declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland.
Only last week, the apex association of Ibadan sons and daughters, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, expressed support for the process.
The royal father, while speaking at the end of a meeting held with the governor at the Governor’s Office, said he and all his chiefs were in full support of the exercise, saying it would bring development to the ancient city.
Olubadan said, “Our visit (to the governor) today, as you can see, is to put paid to the rumours and misgivings about the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration.
“We have come to show our sincere support to the governor and to let him know that we are on the same page with him as the review is for the progress of Ibadan and its people.”
Also speaking, the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, who was one of the two High Chiefs that had dragged the governor to court over the issue, attributed his action to what he called communication gap.
According to him, the exercise was aimed at modernizing the methods of ascension to the Olubadan throne.
“We believe it is a welcome development, especially with the kind of governor we have who is keenly interested in the growth and development of Ibadanland,”
The high chief said that the benefits inherent in the review were many, noting that the Olubadan would henceforth enjoy the company of beaded crown chiefs whenever he had any outing.
Another member of the Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, said virtually all the neighbouring Yoruba states had adopted the system being contemplated for Ibadan through the review.
Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at the meeting were the Otun-Balogun, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa; Ashipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; and Ekaarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade.
Others included, Ashipa Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi; Ekaarun Balogun, High Chief Kola Adegbola; and Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
