The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has lauded the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and members of Olubadan-in Council for the resolution of the chieftaincy crisis that has pitched them against one another in the last one year.
The Action Democratic Party in a statement signed by its Acting Director of Media Relations, Alhaja Quadrat Folasade Adewoyin in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, stated that the meeting held at the Popoyemoja Palace of the Olubadan is a sign of good things to come to the ancient city.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland and the members of the Olubadan – in – Council had been at loggerhead last year when the government of Oyo State promoted the chiefs to the status of Obas against the counsel of the Olubadan.
The Olubadan challenged the promotion in court and the court declared the new Olubadan Chieftaincy Law enacted by the Oyo State government as illegal but the government went ahead to appeal the judgement.
The chiefs had withdrawn from attending the traditional meetings of the Olubadan – in-Council at the residence of the Olubadan but instead met at the Mapo Hall, a move condemned by the Olubadan who never attended the meeting.
The Chiefs went ahead to stop the salary of the Olubadan which is contributed by the 11 Local Government areas of Ibadanland.
However, the conflict appeared to have thawed last week as indications emerged that eminent personalities of Ibadan origin and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) had successfully intervened to bring the two warring sides to shield their swords.
The Action Democratic Party noted in its statement that the coming together of the Olubadan and the chiefs is a welcome development because it will help the city to put the chieftaincy crisis behind it and face the challenges facing the city of Ibadan.
The party commended the Olubadan for proving once again as a father who is willing to forgive and make necessary sacrifices for peace and the development of the city.
ADP also commended the chiefs for shifting from their hard-line position in the interest of the people.
The Action Democratic Party equally commended the leaders of Ibadanland including Senator Rasidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan, who were reported to have been involved in the efforts at reconciling the Olubadan and the chiefs.
“The Action Democratic Party recognises the important role Obas and Chiefs play in our dear state and we shall stop at nothing to preserve their honour, integrity and welfare”, the statement said.
“The Action Democratic Party acknowledges that many crisis in our communities are nipped in the bud by the intervention of our Obas and Chiefs and we therefore shall make all provisions that will make them to continue to play this laudable role, including the preservation of our cultural heritage.
“A government of the Action Democratic Party will rely on the wise counsel of our Obas and chiefs on issues of governance because they are close to the grassroots and they daily feel the pulse of our people at the grassroots. All constitutional provisions on the welfare of our Obas will be respected and government will show them the respect deserving of their positions, in words and conduct.
The Action Democratic Party advises the Oyo State Government to show respect to “traditional institutions in words and conduct”, in deference to our cultural heritage which the Obas and Chiefs represent.
