Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo state governor, says though he is
empowered by the law to depose Saliu Adetunji, the
Olubadan of Ibadan land, if found wanting, he will not
do so.
Lately, a crisis has been rocking the traditional
institution in the state.
On Monday, gunmen invaded the olubadan’s palace
while he was installing some “mogajis and baales” —
traditional titleholders in Yoruba land.
The governor said the sad incident showed that the
installation was hijacked by some persons, including
Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor who is the osi
olubadan of Ibadan land.
He said this at a meeting with traditional council
heads in the state.
Ajimobi also said he would not be pushed to move
against Olubadanthe monarch who “after all is an old
man and he is my father”.
“All the relevant sections of the 1959 chieftaincy
declarations are very clear on the powers of the
governor viz-a-viz the traditional rulers and the
administration and particularly sections 26 and 27
empowers the governor to sanction any erring oba,” he
said.
“Who bestowed the crown and staff of office on the
monarch? Is it not the government? But you see, when
a person is in a position as such, he shouldn’t wield
his powers every time, particularly against someone
who one claims to be his father.
“I have found enough reasons to depose him, but I will
never do it. If he likes, let him go to the radio or
television to abuse me, I don’t care and I will never
use that against him.”
He, however, added that no one is above the law in the
state and that everyone must be guided by the
dictates of the laws of the land.
The governor added that he would not allow the
present crisis to cause acrimony between him and the
monarch.
“I sincerely believe that considering the relationship
that I have with kabiyesi, the olubadan of Ibadan land
as a son, as a brother to my late father, as the Aaare
of Ibadan land of which the Olubadan honoured me
with that title, I will never do anything to denigrate that
position of obaship or go to the extent of sanctioning
him by removal or suspension or something else,” he
said.
“We will continue to talk to him. The only unfortunate
thing there is tha some failed politicians have taken
over the palace and they are doing things that Baba
himself is not even aware of nor approve of.
“Olubadan is not the state governor. In this Oyo state,
the governor is still the head and leader. My gentility is
not cowardice but I am just being careful. I am giving
you the assurance that I will not remove him. Sooner
or later, he will understand better.”
TheCable
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