Ibadan New Obas Move to Depose Olubadan, Issue 21-day Notice

These are not the best of times in Ibadan as recently enthroned 21kings by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state issued 21-day deposition notice to the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji over alleged abuse of office.

The elevation o the new kings is currently a subject of litigation as five different cases are in court, challenging their elevation to crowns wearing status. Prior to their elevation, Olubadan, for decades, has remained the only crown wearing monarch in the city.

The development has pitted the state government and the new monarchs against the Olubadan and majority of Ibadan indigenes who condemned the elevation in strong terms.

On Monday, the Obas under the banner of Ibadan Council of Obas has issued a notice of dethronement to the Olubadan, accusing him of acts unbecoming of his office as the paramount ruler of the ancient town.

The traditional rulers, led by Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, addressed a press conference at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan where they detailed all the ‘sins’ of Olubadan and gave him 21 days to retrace his steps or be removed from office.

Among the many allegations leveled against the monarch was taking actions on behalf of the council without input from members.

They also accused him of inciting people against the state government, which, according to them, was not representative of the relationship between the council and the government.

The Obas were particularly angry that all the issues pending between them and the Olubadan which almost led to taking legal action against the monarch in the past are still not addressed by him.

“Olubadan-in-Council meetings are not conducted the way they are supposed to be. Oloris were still attending meetings with us and contributing, dictating, attacking that resulted to abuses and curses on the High Chiefs.

“The appointment of Baales and Mogajis are not in compliance with proper set up rules and standards.

“Apart from the monetary scandals of which kabiyesi is yet to refrain, a new Olubadan-in-Council is inside Popoyemoja palace consisting of Olubadan, the Oloris and PA to Olubadan (Tairu) who decide from time to time who is to be Baale or Mogaji and will only send Hearing Notice of meeting and agenda to the real members  of Olubadan-in-Council on Saturday  preceding the installation date on Monday,” the address read by Oba Balogun said.

It took the intervention of the Ibadan Elders Council for the then Olubadan-in-Council members to stet legal action proposed against the Olubadan

Still at the conference, Ibadan Traditional Council members accused the Olubadan of allowing interests within and outside the palace to manipulate him to their own advantage.

They said this was the reason why the palace has barely witnessed peace since his ascension.

Though the Obas said they were not keen on deposing the Olubadan, they said if he fails to mend his ways within the next 21 days, the council will recommend his removal from office to the governor.

Apart from the initial ‘sins’ which they said were yet to be addressed, the Olubadan, they alleged, has added some others, necessitating the new ultimatum.

“The Olubadan Oba Adetunji has since after the inauguration of the Beaded Crown Obas in Ibadan cultivated himself to misbehave by engaging in acts to cause civil disorder by parading himself about with some unscrupulous Mogajis  in Ibadan land, inciting people to rise up against the legitimate government of our amiable governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

“This is a serious offence which we the Ibadan Council of Obas can pass a vote of No Confidence on him, after which we as king makers that nominated and appointed him for confirmation and approval by the Executive Governor will also call for his removal.

“We are by this Conference giving His Imperial Majesty 21 days ultimatum to change his stand now and work for the improvement of Ibadan rather than disorderliness,” the Obas further said.