Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 on Thursday asked rhetorically why the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi continued to threaten him with deposition over logjam that trailed the enthronement of 21 new kings in the city by the government.
The monarch who was quick to deny committing any crime to warrant deposition threat repeatedly bandied against him by the Oyo State Government, said his conduct and utterances since more kings were appointed have been guided by the need to preserve Ibadan tradition and cultural heritage.
A statement from the palace signed by Director of Media, Adeola Oloko, quoted Oba Adetunji as making such remarks at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan Palace, while receiving the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olaniyan and members of his entourage who paid him solidarity visit.
According to him, “There are checks and balances in our traditional chieftaincy system for any monarch or chief who goes against the run of play. As I speak, I cannot see how mere, peaceful opposition to the controversial chieftaincy title review by the Oyo State Government could be misconstrued to mean incitement against the government. As the matter is pending before the court, I do not want to comment on it. But, let nobody make mistake about it, where Ibadan people stand, is where I must stand for me to be relevant as king and custodian of our customs and tradition.”
Oba Adetunji, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern over the security situation in Ibadan stated that it was to reduce tension that he decided to seek legal redress, stressing that contrary to speculations in government circle, the matter at hand is not political.
Speaking on behalf of the Ibadan Kinsmen who were also present at the meeting, Mr. Muhammed Oladejo, who was also former National Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII noted that the battle at hand is a battle of wits and not of guns. He stated that it was as a result of dissatisfaction of Ibadan people to the chieftaincy crisis that led to the emergence of their new group, noting that the group was irrevocably committed to joining hands with Kabiyesi to ensure the preservation and protection of Ibadan heritage.
Also speaking on behalf of the Association of Ibadan Authentic Mogajis, Alhaji Abass Oloko stated that the founding fathers of Ibadan who came from different places to settle down in Ibadan did not make any mistake in bequeathing the traditional chieftaincy system that has been working since 1851on us.
In his own contribution, a member of Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan South East Constituency II, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige stated that review of any declaration is a major responsibility of government but with input from the house, adding that there is no such bill before the State House of Assembly.
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