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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has disclosed the best way of selecting traditional rulers in Yoruba land.
The monarch spoke during a press conference, as part of activities marking his 81st birthday celebration, at his Alarere palace in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.
According to Oba Balogun, Oracle remains the best option in picking who will occupy the throne in Yoruba land.
“As long as the people who are saddled with the responsibility of electing or selecting kings are failing in their traditional function, the aggrieved candidate(s) will always seek redress in court.
“Litigation is a function of democracy. It will not end as long as injustice remains in selection of monarchs in Yoruba land. It remains a checkpoint for injustice.
“Litigation is a process where you can express your emotions or ill-feelings about any issues in court of law and get justice over perceived injustice against you
“Oracle remains the best option in picking who will occupy the throne, but this action varies, depending on traditions of each town,” he said.
Speaking on the recent the face-off between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some monarchs in the state, Olubadan described Obasanjo as respecter of traditional rulers in Nigeria.
“Obasanjo is my brother and friend. We have been together for long. He is not disrespectful as being alleged. He is a respecter of traditional stool. What happened on the said day when Obasanjo was dishing out orders to members of Council of Obas and Chiefs at a function in Iseyin is quite unfortunate. Both sides didn’t expect the way the media turned it to,” he explained.
On his 81st birthday anniversary, Olubadan, who expressed appreciation to God for all He had done for him, said he envisaged a very bigger and peaceful Ibadan.
“I envisage a very much bigger Ibadan, as much as history remains, Ibadan will continue to exist. I envisage a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Ibadan. Ibadan is a work in progress, so I want our people to be expecting more good things,” he said.