The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has said that the Ajimobi third term statement credited to him in the media was largely misunderstood because people could not read between the lines.
The monarch made the clarification while receiving hundreds of Ibadan indigenes who came to pay him homage at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace as part of the on-going Ibadan week.
According to Oba Adetunji in a press statement signed by his personal assistant and director, media and public affairs, Adeola Oloko, noted that what appears simple and straight forward could sometimes be pregnant with meanings, he is of the opinion that only the discerning could understand complexity in simplicity.
He, however, appealed to all his ‘children’ who are aggrieved over the statement not to take the matter to heart and read more about the use of language, idioms and sarcasm.
“As a monarch, I have no power over the election and re-election of anybody, not to talk of tenure extension that is unconstitutional. Besides, when I was exchanging banters with the Governor, I was only key cracking a joke with him as a son and subject.
“Even, if Ajimobi offended us, it would be indecorous on my part to address him harshly. Besides, there is a subsisting judgement over the controversial chieftaincy review which awaits compliance. About four or five suits relating to the matter are still in court and have not been withdrawn.”
The Olubadan denied ever receiving any gratification from Governor Abiola Ajimobi and/or his proxies for cracking the third term joke as being insinuated in some quarters, adding that if anybody has demostrable evidence, he/she should feel free to produce it..
Earlier, the first Vice President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Dr. Lasisi Balogun who stood in for the President-General, Chief Yemi Soladoye had congratulated the monarch on his second coronation anniversary.
He stated that the CCII was making remarkable progress in the protection of the ancient city’s boundaries and that work on the new Olubadan palace was expected to complete as soon as more funds were made available. He also solicited for the creation of Ibadan State.
