The crisis between Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and members of Olubadan-In-Council took another dimension on Monday as the High Chiefs have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Olubadan to retrace his steps or be remove from the office.
The crisis had erupted as a result of the controversial elevation of 8 High Chiefs and Baales to the status of Obas by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.
The members of the Council who asked to be called as Obas in Council while issuing the detronment notice to the Olubadan accused the monarch of acts unbecoming of his office as the paramount ruler of the ancient town.
The High Chiefs, led by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun while addressing a press conference in Ibadan detailed all the ‘sins’ of Olubadan and gave him 21 days to retrace his steps or be removed from office.
Balogun who spoke on behalf of his colleagues alleged that the monarch was taking actions on behalf of the council without their inputs or approval.
He accused the Olubadan of inciting people against the state government, which, according to them, was not representative of the relationship between the council and the government.
Balogun noted that the council members were particularly angry that all the issues pending between them and the Olubadan which almost led to taking legal action against the monarch in the past were still not addressed by him.
He said “Olubadan-in-Council meetings are not conducted the way they are supposed to be. Oloris were still attending meetings with us and contributing, dictating, attacking that resulted to abuses and curses on the High Chiefs.
“The appointment of Baales and Mogajis are not in compliance with proper set up rules and standards.
“Apart from the monetary scandals of which kabiyesi is yet to refrain, a new Olubadan-in-Council is inside Popoyemoja palace consisting of Olubadan, the Oloris and PA to Olubadan (Tairu) who decide from time to time who is to be Baale or Mogaji and will only send Hearing Notice of meeting and agenda to the real members of Olubadan-in-Council on Saturday preceding the installation date on Monday.”
The council members also accused the Olubadan of allowing interests within and outside the palace to manipulate him to their own advantage.
They said this was the reason the palace had barely witnessed peace since his ascension.
They however said if the Olubadan fails to mend his ways within the next 21 days, the council will recommend his removal from office to the governor.
Apart from the initial ‘sins’ which they said were yet to be addressed, the Olubadan, they alleged, has added some others, necessitating the new ultimatum.
“The Olubadan Oba Adetunji has since after the inauguration of the Beaded Crown Obas in Ibadan cultivated himself to misbehave by engaging in acts to cause civil disorder by parading himself about with some unscrupulous Mogajis in Ibadan land, inciting people to rise up against the legitimate government of our amiable governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
“This is a serious offence which we the Ibadan Council of Obas can pass a vote of No Confidence on him, after which we as king makers that nominated and appointed him for confirmation and approval by the Executive Governor will also call for his removal.
“We are by this Conference giving His Imperial Majesty 21 days ultimatum to change his stand now and work for the improvement of Ibadan rather than disorderliness”.
Present at the briefing were the Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland High Chief Amidu Ajibade and Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Kola Adegbola.
DAILY POST recalls that the sour relationship between the Olubadan and some of the council members started when the Governor approved the recommendations of an 11-man Judicial Panel of inquiry raised to review the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration.
The picture attached showing the High Chiefs when they were coronated by the Governor.
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