Ibadan – Fresh crisis has engulfed the Olubadan-In-Council as a former governor of Oyo State, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja was conspicuously absent when the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun on Friday elevated 11 High Chiefs in the ancient city to the position of Obas.
Ladoja had repeatedly made it clear that he will turn up for the elevation of high Chiefs event to Obas, describing it absurd and aberration.
Ladoja is the current Otun Olubadan, with only one person standing between him and the throne.
He had joined the queue to the throne of Olubadan since October, 1993.
Many of high chiefs elevated to the position of kings are junior chiefs to him.
The state governor , Seyi Makinde had set the tone for today’s elevation of the high chiefs to kings be seeking and getting the approval to grant beaded crowns to any king if his choice in Oyo State.
There are eleven local government areas in Ibadan being supervised by eleven High Chiefs in the Olubadan succession lines.
The Olubadan had earlier announced his plan to elevate the High Chiefs to the position of Obas.
According to the monarch, the eleven High Chiefs would be addressed as Obas henceforth.
Aside Ladoja, all other 10 high chiefs turned up for the coronation event which was held at Maoi Hall, Ibadan.
Those who have been crowned and presented staffs of office include the Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole Foko and Osi Balogun, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe and Ashipa Olubadan, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Others are; Ashipa Balogun, High Chief Kolawole Adegbola, Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Dada Isioye, Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Adebayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Abiodun Dauda Azeez.
This is the second time the 10 chiefs will be coronated as kings.
The first was conducted by them by the immediate past governor of the state, Late Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi was resisted by the people and was consequently aborted.
The present Olubadan Lekan Balogun who was one of the beneficiaries of the Ajimobi’s coronet had hectic time ascending the throne of Olubadan after the transition of Oba Adetunj Omo Aje Ogunguniso.
By tradition, once the throne becomes vacant, another mounts the throne within 21 days.
Today’s coronation event was attended by the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
Other dignitaries at the event include former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governor, Hamid Gbadamosi and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.
Makinde while speaking, noted that the consenting authority is the Olubadan and not the governor.
He added that the elevation was in line with what the people of the ancient city requested.
“We are here for one thing, the Olubadan of Ibadan is crowning his High Chiefs as Obas.
“It is not the government that is giving the High Chiefs crowns. I am not aware of the crown. I am not in the line. What is happening today is internal.
“If the royal father said there is a need for reform, me, as the governor, I will support them.
Out of the 11 High Chiefs we have in Ibadan, 10 of them have been crowned today. Even in a democracy, the majority will have its way and the minority will have their say and we have had them, anyone that is not satisfied can go to Court.
“The consenting authority today is the Olubadan and not the governor.
“Those who go to Court will waste their time. What the people want, we have done it for them.
“I want to charge the new Obas to do good to their people. I thank all my people in Ibadan. Thank you,” Makinde said. (vitalnewsngr.com)
