OLUBADAN VS OLUBADAN IN COUNCIL. AND GOVERNOR AJIMOBI'S TRICKY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

Oba Saliu Adetunji​

Governor of Oyo, Senator Abiola Ajimobi

There's already a growing sense of discord pervading the atmosphere in Ibadan land, in Oyo State, that if care is not taken to especially nip in the bud, might go overboard.

The respected monarch of the town of 7 hills, Oba Saliu Olatunji is already arrayed now against his chiefs better referred to as the Olubadan-in-council.

The bone of contention between the 2 are two-pronged. First the Olubadan-in-council are totally against the dethronement of the present Iyalode of Ibadan, Chief Mrs. Labake Lawal and the subsequent enthronement of another to replace her, in the person of Chief Mrs. Iswat Ameringun.

Their other grouse with the respected monarch who only just very recently celebrated his 1st anniversary on the throne is that their input and advice was totally discarded in the choice of the Olubadan honouring Chief Layiwola Lakojo as the Mayegun of Ibadan. The new Mayegun, a former Secretary to the Government of Oyo,  is a friend and ally of Chief Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria.

The matter if not handled well and quickly could degenerate.

Just as the town is still trying to deal with the situation at hand, the executive Governor of the state in the person of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, might also have added pepper or salt to frayed nerves, by his announcement of a commission of inquiry, whose number 1 mandate is to review the process of choosing the Olubadan.

Though this commission's outcome might not adversely affect the position of the present Olubadan, what might affect him might be the whittling down of his power. Reason for this is because, the commission is also mandated to look the possibility of having more kings (royal fathers/monarch) in the ancient town, having in mind, the present size and population of Ibadan.

One just hopes all of these activities is not akin to seating on a gunpowder keg not too far from a firestorm.

The Olubadan stool has enjoyed one of the most rancour free ascension line, with all the ones to take over successively knowing about it long ahead and waiting patiently. To now rejigg at this time, though if truth be told changes are needed, is to invite chaos and anarchy.