Ahead of the 2027 general elections, monarchs in Ibadanland, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), alongside Baales, Mogajis, and other critical stakeholders, have risen in strong and united defence of the revered stool of the Olubadan.
The stakeholders issued firm warning to politicians and non-indigenes against actions capable of undermining the ancient institution and collective heritage of Ibadanland.
This position was reached at high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Bada Olubadan, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, where traditional authorities, community leaders, and representatives of Ibadan indigenes both home and in diaspora converged to address growing concerns over perceived disrespect to the Olubadan stool and marginalisation of Ibadan indigenes in socio-political and economic affairs within their homeland.
The gathering, which featured High Chiefs, Baales, Mogajis, Iyalojas, and members of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, was anchored by Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade (Mogaji Onilari Olodo/ Talapa), with active participation from Ibadan indigenes across the United Kingdom and other parts of the world via a virtual platform.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of CCII, Barr. Niyi Ajewole, reaffirmed that the foremost responsibility of the Council remained protection and preservation of the Olubadan institution.
He commended traditional leaders and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment towards protection of the Olubadan stool.
Also, the President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori recalled historical attempts to undermine Ibadan’s identity, noting that such assertions were firmly rejected by the people.
He maintained that Ibadan remained resolute in defending its dignity, culture, and heritage.
In his remarks, Chief Tubosun Sotunsi, who emphasized the sanctity and historical significance of the Olubadan stool, described the stool as a timeless institution that predates and transcends partisan politics.
He said, “The Olubadan stool is sacred and central to the identity of Ibadan. It is not subject to political manipulation, and no individual or group will be allowed to trivialise or undermine its authority .”
The stakeholders while reiterating their non-partisan stance warned political actors ahead of the forthcoming elections, saying Ibadan’s traditional institution must not be dragged into partisan controversies.
They said any individual or group that disrespects or interferes with the Olubadan stool will face unified resistance from the entire Ibadan establishment
The stakeholders urged political parties to field credible Ibadan indigenes for elective positions within Ibadanland, saying Ibadan will not be used as a political ground for imposition of non-indigenous candidates.
To enforce these resolutions, a standing committee chaired by Baale Folorunso Ige has been constituted to monitor political developments and safeguard the interests of Ibadan indigenes.
Market leaders, including the Iyaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaja Sarratu Achike, raised concerns over the increasing involvement of non-indigenes in the administration of Ibadan markets.
She called for urgent intervention to safeguard the economic interests and ancestral rights of Ibadan indigenes.
Participants from the diaspora, particularly United Kingdom, expressed strong support for the resolutions reached, describing the gathering as a necessary step toward reinforcing unity among Ibadan indigenes globally.
The stakeholders however resolved that the Olubadan stool remained sacred, inviolable, and must be respected at all times, reaffirming their collective resolve to defend the dignity, heritage, and traditional institutions of Ibadanland.
“Without Ibadan, there is no Yoruba. The Olubadan stool is the soul of our people, and it must be respected at all times.”
