Ibadanland appears to have rediscovered its united front as the 21 new obas crowned in a controversial circumstance dropped their crowns on Monday.
As against what used to be, the new obas idid not wear the crowns when the joined the Olubadan and other dignitaries atr the ongoing Southwest security summit at the International Conference Centre in University of Ibadan on Monday September 2, Instead, the appeared in common hats which suggested that they’ve refried to the Olubadan of Ibadan land Oba Saliu Adetunji.
This indication was strengthened by a comment by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who referred to the 21 elders as ‘high chiefs’, which is the original title of most of them.
“In the entourage of the Olubadan, I can see the high chiefs. I think it is a positive development in Oyo State. We are talking about security here; and I think it is part of what will help overall security of the society,” Mainde said.
Former GOVERNOR ABIOLA ajimobi hd elevated the chiefs and baales, saying the chieftaincy system in Ibadan was due for modernization.
This sparked a feud between him and the Olubadan and some other indigenes.
Another former Governor, Rashidi ladonna, too Ajimobi government to court and won.
The case, however, went to a higher court.
While the controversy lasted, the Olubadan maintained that the state Governor has no right to independently elevate his chiefs. He further stated that their reconciliation will only work out if the Obas drop their crowns while waiting for their time to ascend the throne of the Olubadan in line with the custom. The new Obas however stood their ground, claiming their crowning was already gazetted by the state government.
However the appearance of the Obas in common hats at the security summit, indicated that they have surrendered their crown. The Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; Asipa Olubadab, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; the Asipa Balogun, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; the Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and the Ekarun Balogun High Chief Adegbola were all among the Olubadan’s entourage.
