The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has distanced himself from Sunday’s coronation of some High Chiefs.
Oba Adetunji maintained that he has no hand in the coronation scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall.
DAILY POST reported that Oyo State government under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli presented appointment letters to 21 newly promoted Chiefs and Baales.
But Oba Adetunji, in a press release made available to DAILY POST Saturday evening by his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Adeola Oloko, said he cannot play a fatherly role in an exercise he has condemned already.
The monarch condemned the government for naming him as the father of the day at an occasion that does not enjoy his blessing.
He said that the purported coronation lacks human face and does not have respect for humanity, tradition and culture at a time the ancient city is still mourning the late Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Femi Olaifa who died Thursday evening.
“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?” the monarch quipped.
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