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The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 on Thursday said he has done nothing wrong to warrant deposition threats from the Oyo State Government.
Oba Adetunji spoke at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan residence while receiving the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olaniyan and members of his entourage who paid him solidarity visit.
Recall that Governor Ajimobi said last month that he has reasons to depose the Olubadan but that he was not considering it. Ajimobi restated it this week after he met with President Muhammadu Buhari to whom he reported the current crisis and opposition to the Chieftaincy Declaration review.
READ: BREAKING: Ajimobi reports Olubadan to Buhari
Speaking on Thursday, the Olubadan said: “There are checks and balances in our traditional chieftaincy system for any monarch or chief who goes against the run of play. As I speak, I cannot see how mere, peaceful opposition to the controversial chieftaincy review by the Oyo State Government could be misconstrued to mean incitement against the government. As the matter is pending before the court, I do not want to comment on it. But, let nobody make mistake about it, where Ibadan people stand, is where I must stand for me to be relevant as king and custodian of our customs and tradition.”
Oba Adetunji, who commended the President Buhari for his concern over the security situation in Ibadan stated that it was to reduce tension that he decided to seek legal redress, stressing that contrary to speculations in government circle, the matter at hand is not political.
Speaking on behalf of the Ibadan Kinsmen who were also present at the meeting, Mr. Muhammed Oladejo, who was also former National Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) noted that the battle at hand is a battle of wits and not of guns. He stated that it was as a result of dissatisfaction of Ibadan people to the chieftaincy crisis that led to the emergence of their new group. He noted that the group was irrevocably committed to joining hands with Kabiyesi to ensure the preservation and protection of Ibadan heritage.
Also speaking on behalf of the Association of Ibadan Authentic Mogajis, Alhaji Abass Oloko stated that the founding fathers of Ibadan who came from different places to settle down in Ibadan did not make any mistake in bequeathing the traditional chieftaincy system that has been working since 1851on us.
In his own contribution, a member of Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan South East Constituency II, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige stated that review of any declaration is a major responsibility of government but with input from the house, adding that there is no such bill before the State House of Assembly.
A statement issued by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, said that the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Olaniyan had conveyed the message of solidarity and support of the entire people of Osogbo to Olubadan and Ibadan people, saying as the forces of light often triumph over darkness, no power and principality would be able to destroy Ibadan heritage, which is widely respected because it is rancor-free.
Stressing that Ibadan and Osogbo have historical affiliation, Ataoja stated that whatever happens in Ibadan has a way of reverberating in the entire length and breadth of Yoruba land, adding this is why he has decided with the support of his chiefs to solidarise with the Olubadan.