>
Two weeks after the demise of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, had a closed door meeting members of the Olubadan-in-Council at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan to deliberate on filling the vacant Olubadan stool.
Recall that the kingmakers met last Tuesday and announced Otun Olubadan, Dr.Lekan Balogun, as the successor to the throne in accordance with the established Ibadan chieftaincy system, and sent his name to the state government for ratification.
While awaiting Makinde’s approval, the governor, according to sources, convened Saturday’s meeting to finalise the nomination process and have a common front towards the inauguration of the new Olubadan.
The meeting which held behind closed doors, had all the members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance except Iyalode of Ibadan land, High Chief Theresa Oyekanmi, the meeting.
It was gathered that the kingmakers told the governor that there is a need to reform the Ibadan chieftaincy system.
They, however, noted that the reform could only be properly done with a new Olubadan in place, stressing that the focus for now was the inauguration of the new Olubadan.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting , the Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said the kingmakers made it known to the governor that is imperative to reform the Ibadan chieftaincy system.
He said: “The necessary reform of Ibadan traditional system would have to be carried out under the supervision of Olubadan and the focus now should be how to install Dr. Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan and other things would follow and flow.”
Asked to confirm the much hyped speculation of the withdrawal of the cases in court in view of the current development, Ajibola said the decision on that would be taken by Olubadan-in-Council when they meet.
He said the Olubadan-in-Council would have to meet and deliberate on what they want to do in view of the current situation, saying, “with the elevation of Otun who leads others as plaintiffs to the position of Olubadan, he must legally become a defendant, inheriting that status by virtue of his new position.
“The question now is can one probate and reprobate at the same time? The answer is no and all those issues would be discussed at the Olubadan-in-Council meeting without any third party as the plaintiffs in the case,” Ajibola said.
Those that attended the meeting hosted by the governor include the Olubadan designate, Dr. Lekan Balogun; Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja; Osi Balogun, Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole and Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola.
Others were Ekerin Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade and Ekarun Balogun, Dauda Agagagugu.