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The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, has stated that he has no hand whatsoever in the proposed coronation of new Obas by the Oyo state government.
The government had on Friday, in line with its review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, presented certificates confering obaship to 21 High Chiefs and Baales, making them “His Royal Majesty” and “His Royal Highness”, while leaving the Olubadan “His Imperial Majesty”.
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Coronation of the new kings is due to take place on Sunday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The Olubadan has distanced himself from the event even though he is being invited as ‘Father of the Day”.
In statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said: “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.
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“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.
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“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?”.