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“No governor has honoured the Olubadan throne like me. That was the reason I was honoured with the title of the Aare of Ibadan land. So, nobody can intimidate me on my efforts to review the 1957 declaration”.
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi made those remarks on Tuesday, while stressing that he has no hidden agenda in his administration’s efforts to review the the Olubadan chieftaincy system.
He spoke while addressing crowds of supporters and residents of Old Ife Road, Ibadan while flagging off one of the new Government Reserved Areas (GRA) cited beside old NITEL premises on Old Ife Road in the capital city.
He said that as a indigene of Ibadan and governor of Oyo State, he has a stake and a duty to ensure the good of the ancient city, the Olubadan throne as well as that of other towns in the state were pursued at all times.
He explained: “Our aim is to promote Ibadan. Some members of the Olubadan-In-Council had requested the review in the past. Such review had been carried out in Ogun State, Ile-Ife and other places. Whatever improvement done will not affect ascension to the throne. Ours is a progressive government, we just must transform Ibadan and the entire state.”
Recall that two High chiefs, Lekan Balogun and Rashidi Ladoja had dragged the governor and the panel of inquiry set up by the government over the review to court, saying they lack the right to review the 1957 Olubadan Declaration.
READ: Ladoja, Balogun drag Ajimobi to court over Olubadan chieftaincy law reform
But Ajimobi argued that the 1957 Olubadan Declaration is due for a review given the expansion of the city and the need to allow some high chiefs and community leaders to wear beaded crown with the overall aim of adding more glamour and influence to the throne of the Olubadan.
The governor said he wanted his administration to be remembered for rebuilding infrastructures, stressing that it was the reason it has been building road networks that are rejuvenating economic activities in the state.
He said roads and other infrastructures were being built in every major town across the state.
His words: “After roads, we are building GRAs. The estate here will sit on 18 acres of land. We have similar GRAs in other places and we will commission them this year.”