The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has said that he has not committed any crime to warrant deposition threat repeatedly bandied against him by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.
Oba Adetunji stated this on Thursday while receiving the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olaniyan and members of his entourage who paid him solidarity visit at his Popoyemoja palace.
The monarch said “There are checks and balances in our traditional chieftaincy system for any monarch or chief who goes against the run of play.
“As I speak, I cannot see how mere, peaceful opposition to the controversial chieftaincy review by the Oyo State Government could be misconstrued to mean incitement against the government. As the matter is pending before the court, I do not want to comment on it.
“But, let nobody make mistake about it, where Ibadan people stand, is where I must stand for me to be relevant as king and custodian of our customs and tradition.”
The monarch commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern over the security situation in Ibadan, stating that it was to reduce tension that he decided to seek legal redress, stressing that contrary to speculations in government circle, the matter at hand was not political.
Speaking on behalf of Ibadan kinsmen who were also present at the meeting, Mr. Muhammed Oladejo, a former National Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), noted that the battle at hand was a battle of wits and not of guns.
He stated that it was as a result of dissatisfaction of Ibadan people to the chieftaincy crisis that led to the emergence of their new group, noting that the group was irrevocably committed to joining hands with Kabiyesi to ensure the preservation and protection of Ibadan heritage.
Also speaking on behalf of the Association of Ibadan Authentic Mogajis, Alhaji Abass Oloko stated that the founding fathers of Ibadan who came from different places to settle down in Ibadan did not make any mistake in bequeathing the traditional chieftaincy system that has been working since 1851on us.
In his own contribution, a member of Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan South East Constituency II, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige stated that review of any declaration was a major responsibility of government but with input from the house, adding that there was no such bill before the State House of Assembly.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Olaniyan had earlier conveyed the message of solidarity and support of the entire people of Osogbo to Olubadan and Ibadan people, saying as the forces of light often triumphed over darkness, no power and principality would be able to destroy Ibadan heritage, which was widely respected because it was rancor-free.
He stressed that Ibadan and Osogbo have historical affiliation and stated that “whatever happens in Ibadan has a way of reverberating in the entire length and breadth of Yoruba land,” adding that this is why he had decided with the support of his chiefs to show solidarity with the Olubadan.
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