A major crisis is likely to be witnessed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital over who becomes the next Olubadan of Ibadanland as the head of Seriki family in Ibadan, Chief Adebayo Oyediji, claimed that he is the next Olubadan after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana.
Ordinarily, the present Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, should occupy the throne but Oyediji, 89, alleged that the Olubadan-in-Council disregarded the rule of law in the succession process.
Speaking in Ibadan yesterday, Oyediji said, “I am the next to be installed Olubadan and not Adetunji.”
To justify his claim, Oyediji said a motion filed on behalf of the Seriki family by his lawyer, A.G. Adeniran, before the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Mukthar Abimbola, stated that the Seriki obtained a Supreme Court judgment which favoured the family’s admittance into the Olubadan ruling line. He said since 1989 when the judgment was obtained, the Olubadan -in-Council had refused to respect it.
According to him, the last Otun Seriki, the late Adisa Akinloye, was denied the opportunity to become Olubadan before he died in 2007, claiming that Seriki family was the third line in the Olubadan succession system.
He said, “The problem with the Seriki line started with the making of the 1959 Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which put Seriki under the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan and provided for the first time that Seriki can only be promoted to Ekerin Balogun only if the Ashipa and Ekerin Balogun titles become vacant at the same time.”
Oyediji said the motion was also seeking the order of the court, setting aside the appointments made by the late Olubadan to fill vacancies existing in the chieftaincy titles of Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Otun Olubadan and Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan since the November 21, 2008 up till the last appointment he made on January 1, 2016.
He, however said one of the Seriki’s motions would be heard on January 28.
‘My Reign Will Be Peaceful, Make Ibadan Greater’
But Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Soliu Adetunji, has assured residents of sustainable peace and a greater Ibadan during his reign.
Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, Adetunji (87) said he was the next to be crowned Olubadan of Ibadan land, being the next in line to the departed king.
Though Adetunji described the monarch’s death as shocking, it was celebration galore at his residence in Popo-Yemoja as residents were jubilating, drinking and singing that the crown has returned to them.
The people of Ibadanland in Oyo State yesterday mourned their departed monarch, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, who died on Tuesday night at the age of 101.
The demise of the royal father was greeted with mixed feelings across Ibadan as many Ibadan sons and daughters, including the chiefs thronged the Olubadan’s palace to mourn his demise.
Meanwhile, condolence register has been opened at the Olubadan palace in Monatan, while the chiefs were seated at the palace receiving visitors.
However, the official statement on the demise of the late monarch was yet to be issued by the Oyo State government.
A source at the palace told newsmen that Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was presently out of the state, is expected back yesterday evening while the official announcement would be made by 12noon today.
Some of the early callers at the Olubadan palace include High Chief Lekan Balogun, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lateef Oyelade, Aare Musulumi of Ibadan land. Also in attendance were Chief Adebayo Oyero, former President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and his successor, Chief Wale Akinwande.
In his short sermon and prayer at the palace, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Abubakry, commended the chiefs for their absolute loyalty to the late monarch during his reign, saying that there was a time for man to be born and to die.
Ambode Mourns
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has condoled with to the people of Ibadan and Oyo State Government over the death of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1.
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the late monarch as a well accomplished Nigerian, who cut his teeth in various positions of office he occupied during his hay days.
“Oba Odulana was an accomplished Nigerian in the true sense of the word. He gave his all to serve the country in various capacities. He was a seasoned civil servant and a thoroughbred politician which eventually saw him become a Minister in the First Republic.
Kogi Gov elect pays tribute
Kogi State Governor-Elect, Alh. Yahaya Bello has commiserated with Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi, the people of Ibadan and the generality of Nigerians over the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadan.
In a message of condolence through his Media Office by Abdullahi Onyekehi, Bello described the late Olubadan as “a great Nigerian who will be greatly missed for his unifying aura and undying commitment to the transformation of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Olubadan left indelible footprints – Atiku
Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar, has described the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, as a towering character whose footprints in Nigeria’s politics and traditional rulership will remain indelible.
He said, “On several occasions during the reign of Oba Odulana, each time I visited Ibadan I will always pay homage to him at his palace and at each time I am particularly delighted by his fatherly advice and prayers for me.”
Leadership Newspapers
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