A cultural and non-political group in Ibadan, the IBILE G-7, yesterday, warned high chiefs in Ibadan not to allow politicians to hijack and desecrate the Olubadan traditional institution.
The group gave the warning in a statement signed by the duo of its Coordinator and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe and its Secretary, Olajide Laniyonu.
The group also strongly warned against the desecration of the Olubadan stool, reputed to be the best, most reliable, and non-controversial kingship ascendancy system in the entire Yorubaland.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, is the next Olubadan of Ibadanland based on the traditional arrangement.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is the most senior chief after Olakulehin, had initiated a meeting with other high chiefs to begin the process for the installation of Olakulehin, but the meeting was shunned by other high chiefs.
However, the group posited that high chiefs were behind the unwarranted tension being created and which had never happened in the history of Ibadanland.
It said that the high chiefs at the centre of the ongoing controversy should realise that their actions might disrupt the kingship process as currently constituted, and may affect how kingmakers are selected and constituted in accordance with the tradition of Ibadanland.
The Ibile group, which frowned on the peddling of falsehood and considered it inimical to the strong bond among the administrative pillars of the ancient historical town of Ibadan, warned that henceforth, indigenes would not tolerate further insults on the office of the Olubadan by anyone no matter how highly-placed.
The group said: “We call on Hamidu Ajibade to retract his statement and tender unreserved apology to the Olubadan-designate, Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“Ajibade’s insults on these Ibadan title holders stand condemned in all ramifications. Consequently, all well-meaning Ibadan indigenes should caution and warn him against further speaking or representing the Olubadan-in-Council in any of its activities. He should also be warned to desist from further ridiculing or using uncouth language alien to the royal homes in Ibadanland and deploying such against the high-ranking cabinet chiefs.”
