An Ibadan socio-cultural group known as Maja-Maja Indigenous Group (MMIG), has urged Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde to elevate Baales to the position of lesser kings for Olubadan to fully attain the ‘Imperial Majesty’ status.
The Group in a press statement by its President, Abdulkabir Akinpelu and Secretary, Aderemi Adebisi congratulated the new Olubadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Group also appealed to the Governor to elevate some Baales to the position of lesser kings under Olubadan and the Ibadan High Chiefs.
“We thank God Almighty that the issue of elevation of High Chiefs to position of Obas has been sorted out amicably through the concerted efforts of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and others.
However, we want the Governor to consider some areas in the Ajimobi’s reform that will still be good for Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement. Elevation of Baales to the position of lesser kings under Olubadan and High Chiefs will allow the new Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun to fully attain the ‘Imperial Majesty’ status.”
The Group added that Ibadan traditional chieftaincy has always been a fascinating institution, saying that its thematic significance as a representative monarchy is more sophisticated than most monarchies in Yorubaland.
“We are aware that the Ibadan system is so unique that succession is not hereditary but based on an egalitarian peerage system that is in turn built upon an interconnected coterie of agboile–a network of relations embedded in nuclear and extended family units.”
MMIG added that promotion of Baales of adjoining communities to position of lesser kings under Olubadan and other Ibadan High Chiefs will go a long way in modernising and making our chieftaincy arrangement a unique one.
“History has revealed that some Baales of some communities under Ibadan used to be addressed as Obas in the past before being conquered by Ibadan. And they have been agitating for recognition as Obas for decades. Many of them were formally recognized as ‘His Royal Highness’ under the following titles: Onijaye of Ijaye; Oniroko of Iroko; Onikereku of Ikereku; Elerunmu of Erunmu; Ololodo of Olodo; Elegbeda of Egbeda; Onido of Ido; Alakufo of Akufo; Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Alawotan of Awotan; Olomi of Omi-Adio; Onilalupon of Lalupon; Olugbon of Ile Igbon; Olofa of Ofa-Igbo; Ologburo of Ogburo; Onilagun of Lagun; Alaba of Abanla; Onilatunde of Latunde; Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre; Alakanran of Akanran; Alajia of Ajia and the Elejioku of Ejioku. Governor Seyi Makinde should consider promoting these Baales to the position of Obas so that Olubadan can truly attain ‘His Imperial Majesty’ status.
Late Ajimobi’s reform is not totally bad and must not be thrown into the dustbin of history. There are areas that are still useful for Ibadan traditional chieftaincy arrangement.”
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