The historic Mapo Hall, venue of the coronation of 32 new Ibadan Obas is in frenzy mood as people have continued to troop in.
The government had on Friday, in line with its review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, presented certificates confering obaship to 21 High Chiefs and Baales, making them “His Royal Majesty” and “His Royal Highness”, leaving the Olubadan with “His Imperial Majesty” title.
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Meanwhile, Oba Saliu Adetunji has distanced himself from the exercise.
The coronation is also coming few days after the death of one of the Ibadan High Chief, Olufemi Olaifa.
In statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said: “I have said it for the umpteenth time that I am opposed to the chieftaincy review and its recommendations as the process for such exercise has not been followed. Therefore, I cannot see how, as being advertised in some media houses I could possibly play a fatherly role in an exercise that I have not endorsed?
“Besides, as the father of Ibadan indigenes irrespective of political and ideological persuasion, I cannot attend an occasion where local government executives of one political party have been sending text messages to the party members in Ibadan land to mobilise for the event as if it is a political rally.
“So, as the prescribed and appointing authority on Ibadan Chieftaincy matters, I consider, until otherwise reversed, that any conferment of crowns on anybody is an exercise in futility. More so, it is going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.
“Also, where is the humanity of the organizers of this programme when Ibadan land is still mourning the passage of the Otun Balogun, High Chief Dr. Femi Olaifa, who was one of them until Thursday 24th August?”.
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