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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Following the crisis rocking the Central Council of Ibadan Indegenes (CCII), the Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC), an upwardly mobile group of indigenes of Ibadan committed to transforming Ibadan land into an epitome of development in Nigeria, has waded in.
In a statement issued on Monday by its president, Oloye Remi Ibrahim Babalola, JBC expressed concerns over the issue.
“Over the years, we have contributed and supported immensely in the areas of social, economic, healthcare and educational sectors of Ibadan land. This is through the execution of numerous developmental programmes to various communities and the empowerment of active artisans and vulnerable indigenes.
“As an affiliate member of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCIl,we have actively supported the association in its programmes and events.
“The recent events in Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, our umbrella association, has been of grave concern to us and other well meaning Ibadan indigenes. We acknowledge that conflict is not unexpected in every human organisation, especially within a tribe of great warriors like ours.
“However, this lingering conflict and the unbridled quest for power is becoming very troubling and embarrassing to all sons and daughters of Ibadanland, particularly associated clubs and societies.
“It is in the light of this, that we call on all parties to conduct their affairs with utmost respect for one another and reverence for the Club’s constitution and practices. As such, all grievances should be channelled through established due process.
“We therefore call on the Trustees of the Club, as well as elders and titled chiefs in Ibadan land to rise up and arrest this ugly descent into ignominy,” Babalola said.