The President, Association of Ibadan Mogajis otherwise known as Family Heads in Ibadan, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori on Tuesday paid glowing tributes on the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for approving wearing of beaded crowns for the 11 High Chiefs of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun had on Monday released a statement for the official
Coronation of all his High Chiefs on Friday, July 7 at the historic Mapo Hall Ibadan.
Ariori in a press statement has therefore applauded the Governor for not disappointing Ibadan and his family by restructuring age-long Ibadan chieftaincy tradition system.
The Mogaji Ariori said many people did not know that the Governor is also a titled Chief in Ibadanland. He said Makinde is the Otun Balogun Ajia, Ajia in Ona Ara Local
government area of the State, adding that, “our Governor is a future Baale (monarch) in his country home of Ajia as the Alajia of Ajia traditional status as Baale would also be changed to crown-wearing monarch in the new reform.
According to him, “Governor Makinde has not disappoint us in Ibadanland. He is showing and displaying quality of our forefathers as a warrior and true son of Ibadanland. Against all odds, he sticked his neck for President Bola Tinubu during the Campaign and delivered Ibadan and Oyo State votes to him.
“Our President must patronize our Governor and the great people of Ibadanland who were in the forefront of his aspiration as President. Our sons gave Mr President all the supports he needed to win, not only the State but the entire Yorubaland because several Southwest rallies were held at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort for Mr President’s aspiration.
“Our Governor also enjoyed the favours of these great Ibadan sons to win his own election with an unprecedented electoral victory in the State. Our traditional chieftaincy system is getting better under his watch as people’s Governor. May God bless His Excellency.
“The majority of Mogajis, Baales and the High Chiefs themselves are very happy with His Excellency over this traditional system development. The Governor is a great leader and deserves the prayers and cooperation of all of us who desire quality governance and wonderful reforms in our traditional system.
“We are united and very happy with the Governor because a people united can never be defeated. The Governor has displayed gallantry and courage as a full blooded Ibadanman.
“Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to those guys around the Governor who have constituted themselves as cliques around the corridor of power, usurping power of our Governor to constitute themselves as nuisance and clog in the wheel of progress.
“This Governor is not one to be taken for granted as he can bark and bite anyone with unruly behaviours no matter how closely related the person is. Anyone that is against our Governor whether chiefs or kings from any quarter including these people around him, would have us to contend with because this Governor deserves the respect and support of all of us,” Mogaji Ariori added.
