“future reforms or reviews to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 should be kept in view for now.” -Late Ajimobi
From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
One of the factors delaying the installation of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland following the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji was the subsisting Court case over a review of the 1957 Chieftaincy declaration.
The review carried out during tge regime of former Governor, Abiola Ajimobi skewed promotion in favour of High Chiefs of Olubadan-in-Council.
The suit challenging the consent judgement that subsequently nullified the promotion of Ibadan High Chiefs as Obas by the government of Oyo State under the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi has been withdrawn by the beneficiaries.
The new development on the reforms to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 which had put the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land on hold has now become a future project.
In a letter of withdrawal, addressed to their counsel, Barr. Kunle Sobaloju, the High Chiefs said the reforms to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 which had put the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land on hold has now become a future project.
In the letter dated January 30, 2022, and signed by all the eight High Chiefs that were promoted as Royal Majesties by the late former Governor Ajimobi, it was said that “future reforms or reviews to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 should be kept in view for now.”
The High Chiefs, who signed the letter were Balogun of Ibadan land, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; and Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola.
Leading the civil line to sign the letter in which the High Chiefs said the reform or review of the 1957 Declaration would be addressed during the tenure of the new Olubadan were the Olubadan designate, Dr. Lekan Balogun; Ashipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Ekerin Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; and Hamidu Ajibade, Ekarun Olubadan.
Following the development, the waiting game on the installation of Balogun as the new Olubadan of Ibadan land may have come to an end.
Balogun, who is the Otun Olubadan automatically becomes the successor to the throne which became vacant after the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, on the January 2, 2022.
The Kingmakers in the wake of the calls for successor to the throne had met and ratified Balogun’s nomination as required by law, but the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who is the consenting authority has declined assent to the nomination.
Recall that Makinde had at the Popoyemoja Palace of the late Olubadan during his condolence visit said he would toe the path of the late monarch which was to return the Ibadan traditional system to the pre-reform status.
This position, it was gathered was reechoed to the members of the Olubadan-in-Council during the recent meeting held with them by the governor at the Agodi Government House.
In the letter, the High Chiefs said, “the withdrawal became important in order not to truncate the peace enjoyed in Ibadan.”
With this development, the people of the ancient Ibadan City are an inch nearer to get a new Olubadan,a talk of the town affair.