His was today made in Ibadan the Oyo state capital as the executive governor of Oyo state Senator Abiola Ajimobi presented staff of office to 21 traditional chiefs and Baale were elevated to beaded crown Oba in 1badan.
The events which was held at Mapo in Ibadan was not attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunniso 1 and Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The 11 members of the Olubadan-in-council were elevated to the status of Oba, with the prefix of ‘his royal majesty,’ but only eight were available for the event, following the death of two high chiefs and the refusal of Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to be part of the process.
Thirteen ancient bales from different towns in Ibadanland were also promoted to the position of obas, with the prefix of ‘his royal highness
Olubadan of Ibadan had in a press statement issued and signed by his director of Media, Adeola Oloko insisted that he should be counted out of the elevation initiated by the Ajimobi led administration.
The executive governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi in his speech said ” With thirty three new Obas, today’s event provides further justification for the upgrade of Ibadanland to the status of a State. Our new Royal Majesties and Royal Highnesses will from today be accorded due local, national and international recognition with prestige deserving and worthy of their status as Royalties. The attendant socio – economic benefits of this review cannot be overemphasized as individual domains of our new Obas, Ibadanland and Oyo State in general are bound to witness tremendous growth and development, particularly at the grassroots”
” I wish to state categorically that we are not changing history, we are not changing tradition, we are not changing the culture of Ibadanland; rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution, the exalted position of the Olubadan of Ibadan as the Imperial Majesty in Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council and the Chieftaincy Institution without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure”
“Our administration is not reinventing the wheel, we have simply like others before us, embarked on a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in response to the yearnings of well meaning stakeholders, such as the Ibadan Elders Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and eminent Sons and Daughters of Ibadanland such as Chief T. A. Akinyele, Late Chief Omowale Kuye, the Former Otun Olubadan, all except one member of the Olubadan – in Council who desire to elevate the traditional chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland and position it comparably and competitively amongst other ancient Yoruba cultures who have embraced new and modern systems. They have been truly inspired by the words of Lidia Bastianich when she said “ Todays’ Innovation are tomorrrow’s tradition”.
“It is interesting to note that out of the one hundred and eighteen (118) memoranda received by the commission, ninety-one (91) memoranda requested for additional Beaded Crowns, while the remaining twenty seven (27) hinged on the review of ascendancy into the Olubadan Stool. In the end, based on merit, the Commission recommended the elevation of Eleven (11) High Chiefs in the Olubadan-in-Council and Twenty One (21) Ancient Baales to the position of Obas. The Oyo State Government represented by its Technical Committee which reviewed the recommendations added one more Baale for promotion based on historical antecedents. This is the Baale of Ejioku, a place where the Commission’s report itself highlighted its historical antecedents. Consequently, Government approved the promotion of a total of 33 new Obas.”
While charging the new oba not o engage in anything that will tarnish their image, Senator Ajimobi urge Olubadan of Ibadanland to remain the father of all citizens citizens and not allow himself to be used by disgruntled as observed in his recent utterances which tend towards the political. It should be noted that Obas are not expected to play politics.
He however assured that Government will not relent in its efforts in transforming and repositioning Oyo State. “I also want to solicit your continued support for our administration to be able to provide more dividends of democracy to the generality of the good people of Oyo State.” He said
Responding on behalf of the newly elevated kings. Oba Lekan Balogun said the development will hasten the much more desired ibadan state.
He added that nothing has changed in the traditional institution system of Ibadan “the Olubadan remain the paramount ruler of Ibadan and all the elevated kings are subjected to his authority”.
