By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has reiterated that the peace, unity and progress of Ibadanland nurtured by family cohesion, equity and justice will not be compromised in the process of installation of traditional title holders in the ancient city.
The monarch’s in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade was in response to the allegation that Oba Olakulehin did not install the Mogaji of Alli-Iwo in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, which is the family of the immediate past Olubadan at the last installation ceremony.
According to the monarch, the Mogaji of Alli-Iwo was not the only candidate that was not installed.
Others that were not installed are Mogaji Kojela Isale-Osi compound , Ibadan South West Local Government, Baale Akinsola village in Akinyele Local Government,Baale Agbon village and Baale Sukuru both from Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Explaining further, the statement revealed that contrary to insinuations, the two Mogajis and the three Baales were disqualified because their families were divided and did not present consensus candidates, an act which is diametrically opposed to the concept, ideals and values of family headship.
The release reads in part, “The headship of families is an age long tradition of Ibadanland built on the pillars of family unity, cohesion and love. Whoever the family presents must be a consensus candidate without rancour.
“As the consenting authority, i owe it a duty to ensure that persons approved must be representatives of an overwhelming majority of members of the individual families they represent.
“This is a critical and crucial step in promoting peaceful co-existence in Ibadanland which will continue to be a cardinal point of my reign. Those disqualified need to go back to their families and put their house in order.
“No amount of cheap blackmail will derail the palace from ensuring forthrightness, equity and justice in the execution of the royal duties and assignments entrusted to me as the representative of our fore fathers.”
The monarch emphasised that traditional title holders installations in Ibadanland will not be business as usual, adding that proper screening will be painstakingly conducted to ensure that “Peter is not robbed to pay Paul to ensure that peace reigns supreme before, during and after the installation ceremony in the families and the society at large.”
It would be recalled that screening committees had been set up in the eleven local government areas of Ibadanland to ensure that round pegs are put in round holes before the final approval of the Olubadan and his Advisory Council.
