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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, (Aje Ogungunniso I) denied ever backing the proposed Ibadan chieftaincy law review.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun said that the Olubadan, at a recent meeting with Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other High Chiefs, willingly accepted the chieftaincy review.
But speaking on Thursday, the monarch said that the High Chief was not telling the truth about his position at the meeting.
He said that the video in which he was reported to have said yes to the review was doctored. He explained that the question asked him in that footage was whether he supported the expansion and development of Ibadan, which he said yes as long as the Governor also support it.
His words: “For the avoidance of doubt, I, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, do not back the city’s chieftaincy review. And I want the present generation and posterity to record me as having nothing to do with it. First, I can never support the review of the system that works. Secondly, I cannot support the review of the system that has produced me as Olubadan without rancour, as doing so would be amount to an act of ingratitude to God Almighty and the people of Ibadanland.
“Besides, what right does Otun have to speak for the Olubadan-in-Council when the Chairman of the said council has not directed him to do so?”
According to the Olubadan, “all chiefs in Ibadanland subscribed to an oath to uphold our custom and tradition before they are conferred with chieftaincy titles. Yielding to pressure to have changes effected is like going against your oath and circumventing the route to the exalted throne”.
The Olubadan noted that there are neighbouring towns and communities whose monarchs have joined their ancestors several years back but have not been able to fill the vacant thrones because of succession disputes and dynastic struggle.
He stressed that he could not envisage Ibadan falling into this trap if the Olubadan succession is reversed.