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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has waded into the lingering crisis rocking the Central Council of Ibadan Indigines (CCII).
The monarch directed CCII Board of Trustees (BoT), and Committee of CCII past President-Generals to unite and go ahead with the election schedule for April 14.
Recall that Barrister Niyi Ajewole, a nominee from Oluyole Social Elite Club who is contesting against the incumbent CCII President-General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga,was disqualified by some members and chairman of the 2023 CCII Electoral Committee as directed by the BoT, after the candidate had previously been cleared to contest.
The Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Gbadamosi Adebimpe, who spoke on behalf of the monarch after a meeting held at the Olubadan’s palace on Monday, maintained that CCII executives should be elected democratically, adding that there is no room for disqualification of any candidate contesting for any post. He also described Ajewole’s disqualification null and void
The monarch reiterated that the CCII election slated for April 14, 2023 remain sacrosanct, directing CCII BoT and Committee of past Presidents-General to close ranks and forge ahead.
The Personal Assistant to Olubadan, Baale Isiaka Akinpelu, adviced all the CCII members to go ahead with the election in their usual manner and tradition, urging them to maintain peace and orderliness.
Chief Bayo Oyero, who spoke on behalf of CCII Past Presidents-General, dismissed the “illegal and unconstitutional disqualification” of Ajewole, citing Article 8.2 (iii ) of the CCII Constitution.
“BoT got it wrong by instructing the Independent Electoral Committee to disqualify the candidate of another affiliate club, they lack such power according to CCII Constitution,” he said.
Oyero added that the matter should even be put to rest because the concerned Secretary General who was also from Oluyole Social Elite Club has been recalled by his club.
At the meeting were the current CCII President-General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga, who was accompanied by only one executive member, the Financial Secretary.
Others in attendance include CCII Rescue and Restoration Mission members, four CCII BoT members– Chief Bayo Alugbin, Pa Wale Adeoye, Dr. O.O Adekola, and Chief B.A.O Ladeji.
The BoT Chairman and two members of the BoT were absent at the meeting.
Those with the Olubadan are the Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Adebimpe; Ekeerin Olubadan, High Chief Hamidu Ajibade and Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, Personal Assistant to Olubadan and Baale Jagun.