Olubadan to Ajimobi: I don’t deserve deposition threat

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has denied committing any crime to warrant a deposition threat repeatedly bandied against him by the Oyo State government.

The monarch spoke yesterday at his palace in Ibadan, the state capital, while hosting the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olaniyan, who was on a solidarity visit.

In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said: “There are checks and balances in our traditional chieftaincy system for any monarch or chief who goes against the run of play. As I speak, I cannot see how a mere peaceful opposition to the controversial chieftaincy review by the Oyo State government could be misconstrued to mean incitement against the government.

“As the matter is pending before the court, I do not want to comment on it.

“But let nobody make a mistake about it: where Ibadan people stand is where I must stand for me to be relevant as the king and custodian of our customs and tradition.”

Oba Adetunji hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for showing concern about the security situation in Ibadan.

The frontline monarch said it was because he wanted to reduce tension that he sought legal redress.

According to him, contrary to speculations in government circle, the matter is not political.

On behalf of Ibadan kinsmen at the meeting, a former National Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mr. Muhammed Oladejo, noted that the battle in Ibadan is that of wits and not of guns.

He said it was the result of the dissatisfaction of Ibadan indigenes to the chieftaincy crisis that led to the emergence of his group.

The spokesman said the group would join hands with the Olubadan to preserve and protect Ibadan heritage.

On behalf of the Association of Ibadan Authentic Mogajis, Alhaji Abass Oloko said the founding fathers of Ibadan, who were from different places, did not make any mistake in bequeathing the traditional chieftaincy system, which has been working since 1851, on the people.

A member of Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Ibadan South East  II, Akeem Ademola Ige, noted that the review of any declaration is a major responsibility of government but with input from the Assembly.

The lawmaker said there was no such bill before the Assembly.

Oba Olaniyan conveyed a solidarity message from his subjects in Osogbo to the Olubadan and Ibadan residents.

The monarch said as the forces of light often triumph over darkness, no power and principality would destroy Ibadan people’s heritage, which he said is respected because it is rancour-free.

He said Ibadan and Osogbo have historical affiliation, adding that whatever happens in Ibadan will reverberate in Yoruba land.

“This is why he has decided, with the support of his chiefs, to solidarise with the Olubadan,” Oba Olaniyan said.

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