Ibadan chiefs no longer wear illegal crowns, coronets – Olubadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, claimed at the weekend that the three-year old crisis that rocked the Ibadan chieftaincy system had ended with the stoppage of indiscriminate wearing of beaded crowns and coronets by chiefs.
Oba Adetunji stated this during the installation of the new Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace.
His words: “One of the definitions of tradition is that whatsoever was good for our forefathers should also be good for us. Every aspect of Yoruba tradition and customs that we champion is preserved and protected. One, chiefs are no longer addressed as monarchs as this as become unlawful. Two, we have stopped indiscriminate wearing of beaded crowns and coronets. Three, High Chiefs, senior chiefs, other chiefs and Mogajis who could not go forward because of the previous government interference in the chieftaincy system have been elevated to appropriate titles. Four, the titled chiefs have also been posted to different local government traditional councils by Olubadan. Five, no life was lost in the crisis. Six, some people insulted me but I did not revenge.”
The monarch noted that the peace and harmony pervading the Ibadan chieftaincy fold would not have been possible were it not for God, lovers of Ibadan and its good people who insist on non-interference by government in the chieftaincy system.
Oba Adetunji said he had thought that it would take the next 25 years for normalcy to return to “our polluted chieftaincy system but I am happy today to report to Nigerians that all we hold sacred is intact and secure as all our people spread across 21 towns, 1681 villages, 11 local government councils of Oyo State are most grateful for the de-escalation of tension.”
He singled out Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and former and Osi Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja for the restoration of peace and order to the fold, saying generations yet unborn would not forget their labour of love on Ibadanland.
The monarch further stated that the generality of Ibadan people should be willing to forgive those who contributed in one way or the other to the crisis while they must not forget the lessons learnt which include patience, forbearance, forgiveness, meekness and spirit of brotherhood.
Olubadan added that if not for meekness, some people who got elevated should have been sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration but the question we ask is: where would this place Ibadan?
Oba Adetunji enjoined the new Araba of Ibadanland to continue to show loyalty to Ibadan and Olubadan.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adetunji has mourned the passage of renowned industrialist and former President, Government College, Ibadan Old Boys Association, GCIOBA, Dr. Lalekan Ayokunnu Are who died Saturday.
He described the late Are as a humanist and passionate lover of his fatherland per excellence.
Oba Adetunji recalled that the last time he met the deceased was on Sunday December 15, 2019 at the Ibadan Foundation annual dinner and award ceremony held at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, saying “Lekan Are personally took it upon himself to read the citation of one of the awardees, Dr. Raymond Zard at the occasion, which left everybody beaming with smile.”
He prayed to God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, adding that he contributed his quota to the peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy crisis.
The impressive ceremony was witnessed by traditional practitioners from the South West while the Araba of Osogbo land, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon offered prayers for the continued peace and growth of Ibadan, Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
