I’m not a politician, Olubadan tells Ajimobi

Ibadan leaders disagree over installation of 32 monarchs

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, yesterday told the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi to stop referring to him as a politician, insisting that he was not one.

He said by virtue of his position as a monarch, he was father of all, irrespective of sex, political and ideological persuasions.He said this while reacting to Ajimobi’s remark at the coronation of 21 kings at the weekend, stressing that any person or group of persons who would use the Olubadan stool for selfish political reasons had not been born.

Oba Adetunji in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Adeola Oloko said: “Since March 4, 2016, when I ascended the exalted throne of Olubadan, I have opened the gate of our palace wide to all manner of people.

“Whether you belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party or Accord Party, you are most welcome.“So, politics has nothing to do with my resistance or opposition to the chieftaincy review spearheaded by the Oyo State government.”

He also described as unfortunate Ajimobi’s comment that recent utterances from the palace tended towards the political, adding if he (Ajimobi) has any evidence to his claim, he should provide it.

Meanwhile, a businessman and philanthropist, Seyi Makinde, has supported the Olubadan in his opposition to the elevation of 32 chiefs to the position of Obas in Ibadanland.

Makinde also supports the school of thought largely expressed by a majority of Ibadan indigenes that the move was political and a desecration of the Ibadan stool.

However, socio-political group in Ibadan, the Assurance Group has described the elevation of Ibadan High Chiefs to ‘smaller Obas’ as the solution to calls by concerned citizens of Ibadan and in the Diaspora.

The group in a statement signed by its coordinator, Ibrahim Yusuf, said the group found out that government’s position was in line with modern trends and what is obtainable generally in the traditional institutions in the Southwest.Also, Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South/West Council, Gbenga Opaleye, said the exercise would not put additional burden on the state government.