Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed rumors suggesting his involvement in any secretive actions aimed at thwarting the ambitions of High Chief Rashidi Ladoja or any other contender for the Olubadan throne. This clarification comes amidst ongoing speculations about the future succession to the Olubadan stool.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Governor Makinde emphasized that it is both premature and unfair to speculate about the next Olubadan when a new one has only recently been installed.
“It is embarrassing that few days after the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, some citizens are already looking over the shoulders of the new Oba and ascribing the government gazette that implemented the recommendation of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to a ploy to disqualify certain individuals,” Oyelade stated.
The rumors stem from amendments to certain sections of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957, which were approved by Governor Makinde. These amendments, which were actively participated in by the late Olubadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun, are believed by some to be aimed at preventing High Chief Ladoja from ascending to the Olubadan throne.
Oyelade clarified the situation by recounting the sequence of events leading up to the amendments. He explained that the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee, established by the late Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, was tasked with reviewing and proposing necessary reforms to the Ibadan Chieftaincy system. The committee’s recommendations included elevating the 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council to beaded crown-wearing Obas.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the last Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, set up the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to review and deliberate on the needed reforms of the Ibadan Chieftaincy, the extant chieftaincy declaration and composition of the Ibadan land local government traditional councils and make the necessary recommendations.
“After extensive review and deliberation, the committee recommended among others that the 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council be elevated and approved as beaded crown-wearing Obas.
“The late Oba Balogun, in a signed letter to the Governor of Oyo State dated February 5, 2023, proposed that this reform be incorporated into the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957.
“A few months later on July 14, 2023, precisely, the amendments were gazetted. “The Governor did this not only because it was a legitimate prayer from Oba Balogun, Alli Okumade II, but also in deference to the tradition and culture of Ibadanland.
“The state government advised the people not to heat up the polity as the government will continue to uphold what is right and the cherished tradition and culture of our people.
“Government wishes the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Ibadanland.”
