The controversy that trailed the elevation of 8 High Chiefs and 13 Baales in Ibadan took another dimension at the weekend as a group of Mogajis (Family Heads) under the umbrella of Authentic Ibadan Mogajis asked the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji to put the current impasse behind him and commence the installation of new Mogajis and Baales as he may deem necessary.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, spokesman of Authentic Mogajis, Chief Wale Oladoja (Mogaji Akinsola) said that the decision was taken at a meeting of the group where it reviewed the ‘Current State of things in Ibadanland and more importantly the present lull in the palace”.
Present at the meeting according to Oladoja were the group’s Coordinator, Mogaji Adanla of Adanla compound, Chief Abduljelil Karimu, Mogaji Abass Oloko of Oloko compound, Mogaji Fatumo compound in Oke Bioku, Chief Fatai Olanrewaju, Mogaji Akere, Chief Moshood Akere; Mogaji Aladorin, Chief Wasiu Aderoju and Mogaji Ademola Olasomi Elekuro Ibadan.
Oladoja, who was also a former Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, said the group told the monarch that “full activities must commence in the palace without further delay.
“The installation of New Mogajis, Baale and Honorary Chieftaincy titles should begin now because the place of Olubadan as the Paramount ruler of the city cannot be controverted by anyone.
“Prior to the brouhaha that trailed recent elevation or enthronement of some high chiefs and Baales by the State Government, applications have been submitted to the Kabiyesi, the Olubadan by some family house steads and concerned villages to fill the vacancies existing in their domains due to the deaths of the former occupants of such positions.
“But unfortunately, the Olubadan was taken unaware by the enthronement of the 21 kings and this distracted activities earlier highlighted for the passing weeks.
“But our palace is never a place of mourning and we (the Authentic Mogajis) felt the need to inform Baba to begin full activities in the palace by attending to all the pressing issues like the installation of new Mogajis and Baales to fill the existing vacancies,” Oladoja hinted.
Asked if Olubadan could go ahead to do so without conveying the meeting of Olubadan-In-Council which normally involved the high chiefs, many of who were now kings, Oladoja said “no, they cannot hold Kabiyesi to ransom because their roles in Ibadan Native Law and Chieftaincy declaration are mere advisory. Oba Adetunji remains the Paramount Ruler; Consenting and Prescribing Authority in the land”.
On the new kings, the Mogajis said “All the New obas should stop parading themselves as Obas until all the pending court cases are determined.
“We use this opportunity to also advise Oyo state government headed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi to leave all traditional issues for now and concentrate more on how to make life more meaningful for the people of the state,” the Mogajis added.
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