Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has said the fate of the eleven Ibadan High Chiefs he elevated to beaded crown monarchs are in the hands of the court.
Recall that the state government had been challenged in court over the governor’s decision to elevate the High Chiefs to the position of crown kings, and that the move contravenes the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law of the state.
Ajimobi, however, said he was ready to accept the decision of the court if it reverses the enthronement of the High Chiefs as kings.
The governor spoke yesterday in Ibadan at a reception organized by the Olubadan-in-Council members at the Ibadan Civic Centre.
Ajimobi who said he did nothing wrong by elevating the high chiefs in Ibadan to the position of kings, justified his action while he regarded the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Adetunji as his father.
“Kabiyesi is my father and I cannot just embark on a policy that will diminish his status. I have nothing to gain doing it. But it’s rather unfortunate that everything has been politicized.” If the court reverses it or upholds it, so be it, but be assured that all the decisions we have taken have been documented,” he stated.
Speaking further, he noted that innovation over time becomes a tradition and tradition too also changes from time to time, adding that there was a time when Ibadan did not have a beaded crown king, and that there were only baales.
“It was in 1976 when the then Military administrator in the old Oyo State, Colonel David Jemibewon who gave the approval that Ibadan should be having a King.
“He was a governor like myself and so if as a governor, I too now approve that Ibadan should have more beaded crown monarchs why is it then an issue?”
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