Ajimobi gives provisional approval to Ladoja’s, others’ promotion

 Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved the promotion of nine Ibadan high chiefs.

This followed the last night intervention of the Ibadan Elders Forum (IEF), which brokered peace in the simmering crisis between the governor and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, over the promotion.

 The monarch elevated the high chiefs to their next rank on January 1, following the November deaths of Chief Sulaimon Omiyale, who was the Balogun of Ibadan and Chief Omowale Kuye, who was the Otun Olubadan.

They were next in line to the throne from both lines that produce the Olubadan of Ibadan.

The governor frowned at their promotion, saying it was in defiance to the government’s order to allow the chiefs go through security and medical examinations as stipulated by the Chieftaincy Law.

He, consequently, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the monarch on Monday to reverse the elevation of the chiefs or face sanctions.

The enlarged meeting held at the Agodi GRA residence of the IEF President, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, started at 6.34pm, when Governor Abiola arrived. It ended about an hour later.

The meeting was attended by many high chiefs but the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, did not attend.

Ladoja, according to a source, had traveled out of the state.

The elders in attendance include: former Head of Service of the Federation Prof Oladapo Afolabi; former President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero; former Commissioner for Information in Old Oyo State ýChief Adegboyega Arulogun; CCII President Chief Wole Akinwande; renowned industrialist Chief Bode Amoo; Chief Kola Daisi, Dr Lekan Are and the monarch’s son, Prince Femi Lana.

Saanu told reporters after the meeting that they had successfully resolved the crisis.

According to him, the governor had given a provisional approval for the Olubadan chiefs to retain their positions, but must follow the due process as stipulated in the extant law.

“We thank God for using the good elders of this land to resolve this issue peacefully in one accord. We have been having this meeting since 10am and immediately we summoned the governor, he answered us.

“After we have had a meeting with the governor in the morning, we later invited the affected chiefs to present their grievances to the governor themselves. It was only a misunderstanding and the matter has been resolved amicably. We are grateful to the governor and we promise that the chiefs will follow the regulations for their promotion,” he said.

Ajimobi said: “We thank God for the elders. Our elders are committed to peace in Ibadanland and our king has shown that he is a good monarch. He contributed to my success as governor. In this case, brothers are fighting and elders have intervened.

“There is no cause for further misunderstanding. We will perfect the papers because the issue has been resolved by men of impeccable character. Due process will now take place. Sometimes, you get married before perfecting the ceremony.

“The Ibadan chiefs have agreed to follow the due process and I have also given them provisional approval to retain their position. ”

Former Prelate of Methodist Church, Most Revd Sunday Ola Makinde, who was also in attendance, said God intervened.

He said: “The chiefs have agreed to follow the due process and the governor has given them provisional approval to retain their positions.”

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs, confirmed that the issue had been resolved. He said the Ibadan elders should be commended for intervening.

“We have all agreed with the governor because he is my brother and we are one family in Ibadan,” he said

The Ibadan Progressives Union (IPU), one of the strong bodies in the CCII, led by Rev Ademola Moradeyo, also held a separate meeting with Ajimobi yesterday on the matter.

The IPU members were also at last night’s meeting.

Credit: The Nation