The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji at the weekend declared that the controversial chieftaincy reform which culminated in the enthronement of 21 new kings in one day in Ibadan by the Oyo State Government is reversible.
DAILY POST recalls that Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State during the last Friday’s Id-el Maolud celebration was reported to have said that there is no going back on the enthronement of the new kings.
But the monarch while receiving hundreds of Bales (Family Compound Leaders) from Idi Arere, Popoyemoja, Isale Osi, Igbonna, Akuro, Gbodu, Bode and adjoining areas in his palace on Saturday declared that he had lived long enough to know that “God Almighty has the capacity to reverse the irreversible and return Ibadan chieftaincy system to the path of peace and harmony that had become the envy of people at home and abroad”.
Oba Adetunji maintained further that the legal tussle over the controversial matter between the state government and diverse stakeholders in Ibadan land was alive, adding that all parties to the dispute are advised to respect the rule of law by giving the court the chance to play its constitutional role of adjudicating in disputes without let or hindrance.
The monarch said “Some people erroneously believe that the chieftaincy crisis is a personal conflict between Governor Ajimobi and Oba Adetunji.
“This is wrong. There are at least five suits in respect of the chieftaincy crisis in the Oyo State High Court as we speak. What this shows is that the generality of oue people believe that the issue at stake is a matter of great public interest as well as the outcome.
“As Olubadan, I am merely a custodian of the tradition and custom of Ibadan people.
“With an oath before our forebears, I do not see how as a monarch, I will compromise the tradition and custom of Ibadan people”.
Oba Adetunji contended that it was in order to give peace a chance that he had allowed different stakeholders to meet with him for what they called out of court settlement, adding that no peaceful resolution of the conflict could be achieved without repudiating the gazette that has further deepened the lingering crisis.
Spokesman of the family leaders, Mogaji Aperin, Isale Bode Chief Musiliu Ola Adekunle earlier in his remark commended the monarch for his comportment in spite of provocations.
Adekunle prayed that the reign of the monarch would be peaceful throughout.
He therefore pledged the support and solidarity of all the family compound leaders, who came to visit Kabiyesi.
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