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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), on Wednesday, condemned a statement credited to Mogaji Olawale Oladoja, describing it as frivolous and uncouth, which should not be given any serious consideration by the people.
Mogaji Ladoja was said to have challenged the role of CCII in the affairs of Ibadan land, saying the council should not be all about partying and merry making, but act as a check on the activities that can assist in the development of Ibadan land.
But a statement by CCII 2nd Assistant Secretary General, Suleiman Raufu, said that any Ibadan indigene would never behave the way Mogaji Oladoja is doing.
According to CCII, no serious minded person should take Mogaji Oladoja serious because “he has no meaningful contribution to the developement of Ibadan land except his involvement in unholy activities that tend to bring the name of Ibadan to disrepute.”
Raufu said CCIl is focused and determined to achieve its mandate as enshrined in its constitution, adding that the council would not be deterred by “a jobless rabble rouser.”
“The attention of the Executive Committee of the Central Council of lbadan Indigenes has been drawn to the press release made by one Mogaji Wale Oladoja on Saturday, 2nd March, 2024 in which he made certain comments, part of which directly affect the CClI and are considered frivolous, unguarded and uncouth.
“First and foremost, CCII being a socio-cultural and apolitical organization will not be drawn into any political matter whatsoever, except if the interest of lbadan land is being undermined.
“Secondly, the CCIl being a body established to protect and promote the interest of Ibadan land and her indigenes will always be neutral and fair in all matters involving any indigene.
“Thirdly, except where apparently necessary, CCIl will not interfere in the running of the office of the Olubadan and Olubadan-in-Council.
“However, when a person, especially somebody known to be of low integrity, in his notable characteristic ill -mannered conduct, made attempt to cause confusion, discord and distortion of facts, there is absolute need to make clarifications.
“The CCII considered it most imperative to respond appropriately to content of the press release made by the said Mogaji Oladoja.
“That our amiable and highly respectable Governor deserves to be honoured is incontrovertible. In fact, no honour can be enough for him to appreciate what he has done and still doing for Ibadan in particular and Oyo State in general, other than to be eternally appreciative of him.
“In fact, his contributions to the progress and development of lbadan land are so unquantifiable that he deserves a landmark monument to his name
“That the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta State, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola (DE-DAMAK), was given the title of Aare of lbadan land is purely a traditional affair meant for Olubadan and Olubadan-in-Council in which CCIl is not involved.
“Nevertheless, the aspect of Mogaji Oladoja’s statement in which CCIl is directly mentioned are the ones quoted here: “That Governor Seyi Makinde directed eleven lbadan Local Government Chairmen to raise fund for the completion of the Olubadan’s Palace.
“He stated that at the end of the exercise, a whooping sum of Five Hundred and Eighty Five Million Naira was realized and given to the committee in charge of the palace.
“Mogaji Oladoja added that Governor Makinde personally gave out another Two hundred and Fifty Million Naira to the committee while another Two Hundred Million Naira again was given to the leadership of the CCII for other running expenses
“Mogaji Oladoja also challenged roles being played by CCll and advised them not to be all about partying and merry making but be a check on activities that can assist in the development of Ibadan land.
“It is an appreciative fact that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, approved the release of money for the completion of the Olubadan’s Palace for which the Olubadan, Olubadan-in-Council, CCIl and the entire Ibadan Indigenes Worldwide will be eternally grateful.
“It has to be categorically stated that the Executive Committee of the CCII is constituted by people of integrity with diverse background of professionalism. A committee led by a successful legal practitioner.
“Release of money to the CCII Executive Committee is based on trust and confidence reposed in the membership by His Excellency, Executive Governor of Oyo State. It is a thing of pride that it is the Executive Committee that is executing the Olubadan’s Palace project through a Technical Committee of seasoned professionals established for the purpose.
“So, accountability and quality job performance are guaranteed. The allegation that Two hundred Million Naira was given to the leadership of the CCII for other running expenses is a complete falsehood, a fallacy that can only come out from a racketeer.
“No money was released to the leadership of the CCII to that effect. It is essential to inform Mogaji Oladoja that it was part of the manifesto of the present executive that we shall be developmental, empowering and progressive in our administrative approach.
“The evidence is there to show, part of which are: the ongoing completion work at the New Olubadan’s Palace, which by God’s grace is due for commissioning in May this year.
“Establishment of a well equipped Computer/|CT Center at lbadan House for divergent training of youths and adults to be computer literate.
“Plan to immediately commence establishment of a Vocational Training Center to train Ibadan sons and daughters in various vocations that will empower them to be gainfully self-employed.
“Establishment of committees to be in charge of developmental, social and economic progress of lbadan city.
“On the whole, there is a blueprint this Executive Committee is working with to realize its campaign promises. It is a committee that was ready for the job from the onset,” the statement read.