The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, has described the purported threat of 21 new Ibadan kings to recommend him for removal as an affront to the people of Ibadan and end of the year entertainment programme.
The traditional ruler, who stated that the so-called Oba-in-Council was unknown to the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws, wondered how a group of educated individuals could resort to illegality by commenting on a matter before the court.
The hearing continues on Wednesday at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, in a suit filed by the Olubadan against the Oyo State government on the controversial chieftaincy review.
Oba Adetunji, in a press statement by his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Adeola Oloko, pleaded with the court to take judicious notice of the persistent contempt of court on the matter before it by the defendants in recent times, adding that if a scapegoat was not made of at least one or two culprits, there might be no end to court contempt.
Talking about the issue raised by the Oba-in-Council, the Olubadan contended that the council in question which comprised high chiefs and the Olubadan only, was basically an advisory council with no force of law, customs and traditions backing it.
According to Oba Adetunji, as the prescribed and appointing authorities could promote and/or peg the promotion of a high chief as long as he wished, but added that he did not contemplate any such decision as he did not see himself as an absolute monarch.
Oba Adetunji contended further that there was no time the high chiefs were barred from attending palace activities, adding that they were the ones who shunned palace invitation.
He expressed delight that despite their absence from official palace activities, the Olubadan had been carrying on his duties without let or hindrance.
“By custom and tradition, no Olubadan has been recommended for removal from office by any high chief or group of high chiefs at any time and my own reign will not be an exception. At least, we have received applications from families of about four of the high chiefs asking for their immediate replacement.
“But, like a prodigal son, we hope that they would sooner than later renounce the unrecognised crowns and return to the warm embrace of their father, as the palace door is perpetually open.
“The high chiefs are hereby advised to emulate high chiefs in other places, who are not wearing crowns but still earn respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land,” he said.
In a related development, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has described the ultimatum issued the Olubadan as an aberration taken too far.
“It is quite disturbing how our tradition and culture had been so debased and distorted by our respected high chiefs who are supposed to be custodians and promoters of our tradition.
“it is unheard of and ridiculous for a son to issue quit notice to his father in the latter’s house,” said the Ibadan-born politician.
Makinde said both the Olubadan and the high chiefs should toe the line of peaceful resolution, especially at this time when the city was faced with poverty, low education attainment, infrastructural deficit and brigandage occasioned by high unemployed and restless youth population.