The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Thursday stated that he did not need the endorsement of the high chiefs before conferring honorary traditional titles on recipients.
Our correspondent learnt that the monarch will on November 11, 2017, honour the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, with the title of Agbaakin Afiwagboye of Ibadan land, and others, a development that could further sour the relationship between the Olubadan high chiefs, who were elevated by the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi to the status of kings, and the king.
Speaking through his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said that he was aware of the high chiefs’ opposition to the ceremony, saying that the decision to honour worthy individuals resided with him as the king.
The statement said, “The Olubadan has declared that the title conferment ceremony slated for Saturday, November 11, 2017 and beyond by him at his palace on distinguished individuals is unstoppable and irreversible as he does not need the involvement and endorsement of any high chiefs to perform his role.
“The Olubadan is reacting to a statement credited to two high chiefs on the proposed conferment of the honorary chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals. The two high chiefs are contradicting themselves with their statement in the media
“There is no rule and regulation that the king has flouted by prescribing and appointing deserving individuals for title conferment as the law that affirms Olubadan as the prescribed and appointing authority on chieftaincy matters which predated his ascension to the exalted throne of Olubadan is still in force and has not been repealed. While the Olubadan is a legal personality, the Olubadan advisory council is not, as it is basically an advisory council without legal instrument whatsoever.
“The king will like to urge those concerned to read the chieftaincy laws guiding the operations of Olubadan and his chiefs thoroughly and properly to discover the truth. Olubadan also called the law enforcement agents, particularly the police to rise up to the task of providing the needed security to avoid the repeat of September 25, 2017 incident when some yet to be identified gunmen invaded the palace during chieftaincy installation.”
On the visit of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi to Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his (Oluwo) peace move over the crisis trailing the installation of 21 kings by the governor, the Olubadan said that while he appreciated the move, he would not compromise the customs of the land and would prefer that the court rule on the case he instituted against Ajimobi and others over the issue.
“The king will not in any way compromise Ibadan customs and traditions, though he acknowledged that the Oluwo visited him in his palace sometimes ago. As the custodian of the tradition and customs of Ibadan people, he will not come short of the expectation of the people by legitimising mushroom crowns. The king prefers that since the matter is before the court of competent jurisdiction, he will not want to say much than to thank all the royal fathers and other stakeholders that are initiating peace moves,” the statement added.
