Tradition asserted itself in a novel way in Ibadan on Monday when the 21 kings controversially crowned by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi protracted before the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The kings mostly used to be Olubadan’s chiefs until Ajimobi decided to elevate them even when they still retain their chieftaincy roles.
the Olubadan has, however, since kicked against the move, alongside some other elders that include former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
While the matter is still in court, the kings paid the Olubadan what looked like a surprise visit on Monday to celebrate his 90th birthday with him.
A highlight of the encounter is that they all prostrated for Oba Adetunji while he also expressed appreciation for their visit.
According to ‘The Punch’, the monarch, marking his 91st birthday today, was hosting Chief Yemi Soladoye-led Central Council of Ibadan indigenes when the visitors arrived.
It added that the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, led all other high chiefs including Baales in Ibadan lesser cities who were on August 27, 2017, given crowns by the former Governor in a single day.
“Until recently when Balogun embraced reconciliation with four other high chiefs, others stuck to their guns and distanced themselves from palace activities. But around 1:15pm on Monday, Balogun led other aggrieved high chiefs, including Baales, who had stayed away from the palace for over two years. Amidst fanfare, they all prostrated to the monarch one after the other as he (Olubadan) welcomed them with open hands.
Two years ago, the elevation/coronation of chiefs, polarised the once united Olubadan-In-Council as the monarch opposed the said reform carried out by the state government.
Olubadan also found an ally in one of the high chiefs, Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of the state who dissociated himself from the elevation and instituted an action in court.
