The Oyo State government has absolved itself from the rumoured plan to stop or scuttle the ambition of anyone to become the next Olubadan.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said that the government believed that it was not only premature but also unfair and preemptive for anyone to start discussions on the next Olubadan when a new Olubadan has just been successfully installed.

The commissioner said, “It is embarrassing that a few days after the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to the new Olubadan, HIM 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.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the last Olubadan, Ọba 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 and local government traditional councils and make the necessary recommendations.

“After extensive review and deliberations, the committee recommended among others that the eleven (11) high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council be elevated and approved as beaded crown-wearing Obas.”

The commissioner revealed that the late Oba Balogun, Alli Okumade II, 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.

“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 His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr (Sen.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, but also in deference to the tradition and culture of Ibadanland,” Oyelade said.

The state government therefore advised the people not to heat the polity as the government would continue to uphold what is right and the cherished tradition and culture of our people.

“Government wishes the Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Ibadanland,” Oyelade concluded. (The PUNCH)

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