The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ibadan

  • UCH doctors solicit stakeholders to avert another strike

    UCH doctors solicit stakeholders to avert another strike

    Resident doctors in University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on Tuesday urged stakeholders to compel the tertiary hospital management to pay their salary shortfalls as directed by the Federal Government.

    Dr Segun Olaopa, the President, Association of Resident Doctors (NARD),said that the association would continue further dialogue with the management on non-payment of the salary shortfalls.

    “We are weary of going on strike after the 10 days notice of strike issued to management lapsed on the Monday, Oct. 23.

    “We implore management to do the needful in order to avert another strike.

    “At the Congress held on the evening the notice lapsed. It was agreed that we should engage management in further dialogue till October salaries are paid to avoid loss of patients’ lives and to prove to the public that we are willing to show more restraint.

    “It has become imperative to draw the attention of the press and the public to the brewing issues in UCH. These issues if not addressed, may impact negatively on the existing industrial harmony at the hospital.

    “These issues include: non-payment of our September salary, 28 per cent shortfall in August salary, 2016 shortfalls of 11 months till date and work overload due to management’s refusal to employ new residents.

    “Presently, the number of residents stands at 525; this has reduced to 454, as some of them have completed their residency. By this October, 40 among us will also finish the residency.

    “The implication of this is that the remaining few residents are given work overload and this should not be; management should employ more residents to make the workload easy and to achieve maximum productivity.

    “Resident doctors’ accommodations need to be rehabilitated. The conditions of those flats are nothing to write home about.

    “The hospital has witnessed major burglary attacks recently and we are more concerned about the security of resident doctors’ quarters.

    “Further investigation by our association to press home our demand on security of our members and families, revealed that management still owes them salaries,” he said.

    The association on Friday, Oct. 13 gave the hospital management another 10-days strike notice to protest unpaid salaries.

    The 10-days strike notice expired on Monday Oct. 23.

    Part of the outcome of the dialogue, which led to the suspension of the strike, was that government would release money to pay the doctors’ backlog of salaries.

    The NARD claimed that the Federal Government had released the funds to clear the backlog salary arrears but UCH management was yet to pay these arrears.

    NAN

  • My husband seeks his father’s permission before intercourse, wife tells court

    My husband seeks his father’s permission before intercourse, wife tells court

    A 22-year-old housewife, Rashidat Adewuyi, told an Idi-Ogungun Customary Court in Ibadan on Friday that her father-in-law slept on the same bed with her and her husband whenever he visited them.

    Rashidat made the statement on Friday when she testified in a divorce petition filed by her husband, Lukman Adewuyi.

    She said her marriage of two years with Lukman had been  characterised by agony and regrets due to interference by her father-in-law, who never allowed her to have free access to her husband.

    According to Rashidat, her husband always takes permission from his father on every issue between her and her husband.

    “Even he seeks his father’s permission before intercourse and my father-in-law always sleeps on the same bed with me and my husband whenever he visits.

    “I used to dress or change my pants in the bathroom because my father-in-law would not leave our one-room apartment whenever I wanted to dress up,’’ she said.

    Rashidat further said that her father-in-law instigated her husband to file the petition so as to have total control over him.

    She urged the court to grant the prayer of the petitioner but that he be given responsibility to maintain the only child of the relationship.

    Earlier, Lukman had pleaded with the court to dissolve the  marriage on the ground that the respondent wanted to stab him to death.

    He said his wife was in the habit of cursing him and threatening to kill him whenever they had a quarrel.

    “There was a particular night that she brought out a knife and wanted to stab me because another woman called my cell phone number.

    “It took the intervention of my landlord before she agreed not to stab me and such incident made me to file a divorce suit,” Adewuyi said.

    The President of the court, Chief Mukaila Balogun, and the court assessors, Aare Samotu and Ganiyu Alao, made efforts to prevail on the couple to resolve the matter amicably but failed.

    The court, thereafter, ordered the dissolution of the marriage as the parties wished.

    Balogun also ordered the plaintiff to pay N3,500 as monthly feeding allowance for the only child of the union and warned the parties to maintain the peace and stay away from each other.

    NAN

  • Suspect arraigned for allegedly stealing pot in Ibadan

    THIRTY-three-year-old Olalekan Rauf, who allegedly pretended to be scavenging on the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, was yesterday arraigned at a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan.

    He was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful possession.

    The prosecutor, E. Adeyeye, said the defendant and another at large, on October 12, about 2 pm, entered the house of a senior worker and stole items.

    A security officer, who apprehended the suspect, Mr. Yahaya Taofeek, said Rauf, pretending to be a scavenger, picked metals on the institution’s premises and burgled a three-bedroom flat belonging to a senior worker, who was outside the state on an education tour.

    Taofeek said before the defendant was arrested, he destroyed the metals, to make people believe they were no more useful.

    The suspect was alleged to have stolen items, such as iron pot, stabiliser, computer, a pair of slippers and cooking gas.

    Taofeek said when he apprehended Rauf, he pleaded that he would cooperate with security guards if they promised not to injure him, adding that his accomplice fled.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    Senior Magistrate S. O. Babalola granted him bail at N20,000 with two sureties, and adjourned till November 20.

  • Police arraign man for stealing cooking pot at Ibadan Poly

    Police arraign man for stealing cooking pot at Ibadan Poly

    An accused criminal pretending to be scavenging around the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Olalekan Rauf, 33, was Wednesday arraigned before a Magistrate court holden in Iwo-road area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful possession.

    The accused was arraigned with charge number MNE/35362017.

    The prosecutor, Inspector E. Adeyeye told the court that the defendant and one other person on October 12 around 2pm entered the house of one of the senior staff of the institution to steal some valuable items.

    A security officer of the institution who arrested the accused, Mr. Yahaya Taofeek said Rauf pretending to be a scavenger‎ picked some unuseful metals around the institution but later burgled a three bed-room flat belonging to one of the senior staffs of the institution who was outside the state on an education tour.

    According to Taofeek, before the defendant was arrested, he had destroyed all the stolen iron and metal items included in the items he stolen so as for people to believe the items are no more useful.

    The stolen items include; cooking iron pot, stabilizer, computer set, palm slippers, electricity change over and cooking gas.

    He said when he apprehended him, the defendant pleaded that he was going to cooperate with the security of the institution if they promise not to injure him, adding that the other member of the gang had fled.

    However, the accused, pleaded not guilty of the charges when it was read to him in court.

    The senior magistrate, S. O Babalola granted him N20,000 bail with two surety and adjourned the case to November 20thfor the further hearing.

  • Nurses call for inclusion in FG’s health policy formulations

    Nurses call for inclusion in FG’s health policy formulations

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives ( NANNM ) has called for its inclusion in the formulation of Federal Government’s health policies.

    The National President of NANNM, Mr AbdulRauf Adeniji, made the call on Wednesday in Ibadan in an interview.

    He said that inclusion of nurses in policy formulations would give the professionals a sense of belonging and lead to improved services in the health sector.

    According to Adeniji, there is a lot of unhealthy rivalry within the health sector between major players, adding that this must be stopped before it lead to disruption of activities.

    “The health sector is bedeviled with a lot of challenges that we are all living witnesses to. This in-fighting was caused by lack of inclusion of nurses in policy formulations.

    “This in-fighting has plagued the sector with all manners of industrial strikes and counter strikes among key players of the health sector.

    “This has not allowed the glittering aspect of the health sector to manifest in Nigeria. The federal government has to go back to the drawing board and begin to adjust.

    “The role of the nurses is pivotal in the health sector. How can a key player be left out in the scheme of things.

    “We understand that health care delivery system entails working in collaboration with others to meet the objectives of giving care.

    “We adhere to the rules of relationship in all ramification. So nurses should never be seen as errand persons among health workers,” he said.

    The president listed other challenges facing the sector to include: underfunding, lack of infrastructure, salary delays and salary shortfalls and cancellation of training programmes for nurses.

    Adeniji also tasked the legislative arm of government on health care laws that would take consumer rights into consideration.

    “Consumer right is not adequately protected in Nigeria and healthcare consumers do not see themselves as stakeholders,” he said.

    According to Adeniji, nursing has come a long way and nurses should continue to avoid distractions from the good foundation of past nursing heroes.

    “They should nurture the foundation of nursing which our predecessors laid and view trends in nursing for innovations and breakthroughs.

    “This will be a springboard for the much sort after professional excellence in nursing and midwifery,” he said.

    NAN

  • Protest by unions was to evade disciplinary sanction – FCA Provost

    Protest by unions was to evade disciplinary sanction – FCA Provost

    The Provost, Federal College of Agriculture ( FCA ) Ibadan, Dr Babjide Adelekan, on Monday said recent protest by labour unions in the school was meant to stop the management from investigating alleged wrong doings against some union members.

    Adelekan said in an interview in Ibadan that some unionists have pending disciplinary cases against them.

    According to him, the protest was illegal because the unions did not issue any notice or wrote to the management on their grievances as required by law.

    “We are handling some disciplinary cases which some of them are involved in, so they are really fighting to make sure that we don’t get to the roots of the issue.’’

    The provost also dismissed claims by the unions of poor management which led to persistent closure of the school and reduction in students’ intake as well as dilapidated infrastructure.

    “Concerning the allegation of school closure, we are more interested in the students’ well-being in school, but when there is crisis, we ensure the school is closed for their safety,” Adelekan said.

    According to him, the college is building a modern health centre for the academic community, and new roads on campus in spite of limited funds.

    “We have latest machines in our workshops which we use to teach our students; our farms are going well, we are doing our best to provide environment conducive for the students and staff.

    “In three years we have completed two academic sessions and we are now running the third one, even though funds are not enough to cater for all our operations,” he said.

    He stressed that most students were not interested in agricultural courses and urged parents to encourage their children, so as to venture into farming after graduation.

    The provost also urged the unions to join hands with the management, to tackle challenges confronting the college.

    The Non Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association, and Academic Staff Union of the college held a four-day protest against the management a week ago.

    The protest was over poor infrastructure, administrative lapses, reduction in students intake, incessant closure and other issues.

    NAN

  • Re: Politicizing Ibadan chieftaincy matter

    SIR: Governor Abiola Ajimobi is a blessing to Oyo State, no doubt about that. From day one of his administration, he had shown himself as a modernizer. He is intolerant of obsolete tradition and status quo in all ramification and he determined to edge his name in the sand of time. This is why his Midas touch is beamed on all sectors of Oyo State – education, economy, civil service infrastructure, agriculture, security, transportation, unionism and has had his way where others before him faltered.

    One area that has proved to be a hard nut for Ajimobi to crack is the review of Ibadan chieftaincy culture. Like a goal getter he is, Ajimobi has had his way in reviewing the system but opposition from the Olubadan in particular, and which his detractors have joined to paint him as an anti-Ibadan is formidable and unabated making him to be boxed into a corner for the first time in the six years of his administration.

    Marian Kolawole’s article in The Nation of Thursday, October 12, made an interesting reading. However, I thought it would deviate from the previous ones who tried to justify the action of the Oyo State government in decentralizing the power of the Olubadan as paramount ruler. Instead, the writer actually presented the image of the government as a lawless one who, in spite of the case of Seriki line which was in court to stop the installation of the incumbent Olubadan, still went ahead to install him!

    Besides, the writer tried to argue that the action of government in restructuring the Ibadan chieftaincy structure was based on the recommendations of Justice Baode led committee saddled with the reviewing of Ibadan chieftaincy declaration. The writer forgot that the government, since the death of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Odulana Odugade did not hide its plan to tamper with the chieftaincy structure. We are witnesses to the imbroglio between the governor and the present Olubadan and Olubadan-in-council over the installation or promotion of certain chiefs immediately after the installation of Oba Saliu Adetunji, following the vacant positions created by the death of high chiefs Omowale Kuye and Sulaiman Omiyale. The imbroglio raged for some time until stakeholders intervened to broker peace between the governor and Olubadan.

    Reviewing of a process like that of chieftaincy of Ibadan is not necessarily a bad thing.  However, the agitation for a review should be from below and not above. I mean from the baales and head of villages that feel oppressed and relegated and need to be elevated or it can be expanded to accommodate the Seriki line in line with the altruism which guided the forefathers of Ibadan who bequeathed the rancor free process to the present generation.

    The objection of Oba Adetunji to the chieftaincy review is understandable. Yoruba has an adage which translated says to the effect that “no king prays that his town should not be deserted but not during his reign”. Ibadan chieftaincy system was borne out of a genuine and patriotic desire by the founding fathers of the city to build an egalitarian and republican society where service to community and not royal blood would determine who becomes leader of the city. This had been the strength of the city over the years. The pioneer leaders like Oluyole and others could have appropriated the rulership to their children but they did not do this.

    I pray that the governor should not allow the chieftaincy issue and controversy emanating from it, at the tail end of his a glorious era to be used by his implacable foes to truncate all the gains he recorded through the years of strive and toil.

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite

    ayekooto05@gmail.com

  • APC governors, ministers, others meeting in Ibadan

    APC governors, ministers, others meeting in Ibadan

    The governors of Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti states are currently attending the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southwest Stakeholders’ Forum in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Also in attendance are Southwest leaders in National Assembly: Sen. Sola Adeyeye, Hon. Lasun Sanusi and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    They are joined by the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu; his Solid Minerals counterpart, Kayode Fayemi; former Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure; former governors of Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states, chiefs Segun Osoba, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Niyi Adebayo and Prince Olagunaoye Oyinlola respectively.

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ministers of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun and her Works, Power and Housing counterpart, Raji Fashola (SAN) were said to be absent with apology.

    Amosun excused himself from the meeting at 4:25 pm to attend to other important engagements.

    Welcoming participants, host governor, Abiola Ajimobi, explained that the meeting was aimed at reviewing the performance of the APC since it won federal as state elections two years ago to determine what can be done differently..

    He added that the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun states require a good attention of APC leaders in Southwest to ensure the party is well prepared for the polls.

    Ajimobi also pointed out the need to work together in building a vibrant region by exploring areas of cooperation and developing agriculture for the good of the people.

  • Politicising Ibadan chieftaincy matter

    What Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State late August at the ancient Mapo Hall presided at the crowning ceremony, presentation of certificates and staff of office of Obaship to eight High Chiefs and 13 Baales in Ibadanland, is no longer news. Since that day, it has been one comment or the other on the matter from genuine to the ludicrous such that every Tom, Dick and Harry has turned themselves to an expert on Ibadan history and chieftaincy matters. It is either you are with the governor and his administration on the crowning of the Obas or you are against him.

    While it would be extremely difficult to determine the number of people with Ajimobi on the issue since no census has been taken, it would be preposterous on the part of those against him to lay claim that they have the interest of Ibadanland at heart more than him.

    For those criticising Senator Ajimobi for doing what his predecessors were not able to do, their motive could not but be politics. Because come to think of it, in crowning the High Chiefs and the Baales, the government was only implementing some of the recommendations of the Justice Akinboade-led committee which sat for more than two months before submitting its report to the government after receiving 118 memoranda from all concerned with 91 of them requesting for beaded crowns. What were those opposing today doing when the commission was sitting? Why did they not step forward to present their differing positions? One reality that those conversant with the issue at hand cannot run away from is that the present administration of Ajimobi will not be the first to embark on the Olubadan chieftaincy review journey.

    Indeed, since the event at Mapo hall, nobody has contradicted the governor who said he was following the footsteps of former governors in the state. Successive governments in Oyo State have engaged in reviewing the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland.

    We have on record that in 1974, the Military Government of Western State instituted a Commission of Enquiry, the recommendations of the Commission were adopted and changes effected. In 1981, there was the Justice Adenekan Ademola Commission by the then Military Government. The recommendations of the Adenekan Ademola Commission were accepted and changes effected. In 1993, Governor Kolapo Ishola set up the Oloko Commission of Enquiry to review Chieftaincy Declarations across the state. The recommendations were received by former Governor Lam Adesina. Upon becoming governor, Governor Rasheed Ladoja suspended the White Paper and abrogated the recommendations of the Oloko Commission. Ladoja later set up the Adio Commission whose recommendations did not see the light of day.

    As a human being like every other person, Ajimobi could not but have his own shortcomings; however everybody may not like his style, the sense of loyalty to Ibadanland and utmost respect for the present Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, he displayed after the death of the late Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, portrayed him as someone who will not engage in anything to undermine the authority of the Olubadan. For those who care to know, it was Ajimobi who in March 2016 ensured the coming to the throne of Oba Adetunji when the Seriki Chiefs went to court to stop his installation.

    The Seriki chiefs led by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, headed to court to stop the Oyo State government and the Olubadan-in-Council from installing the then Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, as the next Olubadan. Oyediji and five others filed a motion seeking an order compelling the government and then Olubadan-In-Council to install himself as the next Olubadan. The Seriki chiefs based their prayer on a 1989 Supreme Court judgment which ordered recognition of the Seriki as the third line to produce the Olubadan. In the motion filed by their lawyer, A.G. Adeniran, they stated that the Olubadan-in-Council, had since 1989 when the Seriki line obtained a Supreme Court judgment in their favour, denied them the opportunity of being admitted into the Olubadan line. While alleging corruption and disregard for rule of law on the part of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Seriki Chiefs stated that Oyediji is the next to be installed Olubadan based on the said judgment.

    To the Seriki chiefs, the marginalization of the Seriki line began since the last Otun Seriki, Chief Adisa Akinloye, was denied the opportunity before he died in 2007. They explained that  Seriki was the third line in the chieftaincy of Olubadan, and that upon the denial, the Supreme Court in 1989 ordered that Seriki line be included as the third line to the appointment of Olubadan.

    They further claimed that 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 there are two simultaneous vacancies in the Ashipa and Ekerin Balogun titles.

    The      Seriki     Chiefs also explained that ýupon winning against the then Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Oloyede Asanke and all the chiefs in Balogun and Olubadan line, after challenging the said chieftaincy declaration, the then Olubadan prevailed on the Seriki chiefs not to insist on three lines for the Olubadan chieftaincy, but that rather chiefs in the Seriki line should cross to Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan on the two lines whenever there is a vacancy in any of the two lines. According to them, the out-of-court agreement was that the Balogun and Olubadan lines          would   each have two steps of promotion from Ekarun to Ekerin in their respective lines before the Seriki line shall have its own promotion to Ekerin in any of the two lines. And having been denied the opportunity for long, and following the consecutive deaths of High Chiefs Sulaimon Omiyale and Omowale Kuye from both sides in November and December 2015, Chief Oyediji maintained that it was the time of Seriki line to have a shot at the Olubadan, saying “when the agreement was reached, the late Odulana was the only senior ranking High Chief in the Olubadan line and we were on the same rank. If that agreement is followed, I am the next person to succeed him.”

    The Seriki Chiefs then sought an amendment to reflect the earlier order of the court and also sought a declaration that “by the provision of the consent judgment delivered by the High Court in suit No. I/313/88, it is the turn of the Seriki line to produce the next Olubadan of Ibadan on both the Olubadan line and the Balogun line”.

    For the critics of Ajimobi, one fact that they cannot deny is that it is the governor that can give or deny the approval for the installation of any traditional ruler especially a first class monarch like the Olubadan, but while the Seriki chiefs are still in court till today, the governor approved the installation of Oba Adetunji as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland and subsequently gave him the staff of office on Friday, March 4, 2016. The government has also, based on the recommendations of the Justice Akinboade-led panel, scrapped the Seriki line which those who believed that they have more stakes in Ibadan are not talking about.

    In the history of the state whether old or new, five indigenes of Ibadanland, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, late Chief Kolapo Ishola, late Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rasheed Ladoja and Senator Abiola Ajimobi, have occupied the Agodi Government House as governor. The achievements in changing the face of Ibadanland cannot be wished away. Apart from being the only one elected twice as governor, the place of Ajimobi in the history of the ancient city of Ibadanland cannot be easily erased as he is the only one among the governors that was bestowed with two chieftaincy titles by two different Olubadans, first as Aare Atunluse by late Oba Odulana and Aare of Ibadanland by Oba Adetunji.

    Nevertheless, the various suits already instituted and the ones to be instituted by those who feel that Senator. Ajimobi has “committed suicide” with the elevation of the High Chiefs and Baales in Ibadanland to Oba, it will not be out of place to leave them with the famous words of former President Barack Obama as clearly stated in Governor Ajimobi’s speech on Mapo Hill at the coronation of the newly elevated Obas: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time; we are the ones we’ve been waiting for, we are the change that we seek”.

    The opposition is borne out of politics. Nothing more, nothing less.

     

    • Mariam writes from Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
  • Ibadan indigenes endorse chieftaincy reforms

    Ibadan indigenes endorse chieftaincy reforms

    No matter what you do, no matter who you are, take notice that tomorrow is on the way. No matter your profession, social standing or belief, take notice that change is bound to happen and happen again. This tends to shine the light on the review of the Obaship at Ibadan.” That was the remark of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi  during the crowing of 33 Obas in Ibadan on August 27. He added: “Today’s innovations are tomorrow’s traditions.” There is no area of life, immune to innovation.”

    Without innovation, the human race would actually be retrogressing. That is why the Governor’s position on the reform is apt. No one can win an argument against innovation, particularly given the common knowledge that for over 30 years leaders of thoughts and many interested parties in Ibadan have consistently called for the review of the traditional institution of their Oba, the Olubadan, currently occupied by Oba Saliu Adetunji.

    Ibadan is made up of 11 local government areas, more than the whole of Bayelsa State, which has just eight local government areas.

    Traditional administration of the ancient city is very unique, commencing from the Mogajis and Baales, who function as family heads to the Olubadan who is the paramount ruler, ruling with the Oluban-in-Council.

    Even with the minor reform, ascension to the Olubadan throne remains by seniority among the 11 High Chiefs that constitute the Olubadan-in-Council, though they now wear beaded crowns. Ibadan has about the most peaceful and orderly ascension to the throne in Yorubaland and probably the entire Nigeria, as the next Olubadan already knows himself up to the next six in line.

    It is instructive to state that despite the well-structured path to the throne of Olubadan, members of Olubadan-in-Council have to wait until the transition of a reigning Oba to ascend to the throne. This accounts for why in most cases only the advanced in age become the Olubadan, most of them were crowned at well above 80 years. This is also the reason why most Olubadan do not reign for long.

    It is important to note that the chieftaincy laws in Oyo State provide that a Governor can call for a review of existing Declarations. In the exercise of this power, the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, himself an Ibadan indigene hearkened to citizens and stakeholders persistent clamour for a review the traditional governance structure in Ibadan to make way for better administration and elevate the current status of the Olubadan stool.

    To this end, the Governor set up a Review Panel headed by retired Justice Akintunde Boade. Chief Lanre Jaiyeola served as Secretary to the Panel. The panel on completion of its assignment after receiving Memoranda and submissions from various stakeholder-groups, including Baales recommended that the 11 High Chiefs be elevated to Oba status while still maintaining their line of ascension to the Olubadan while the Olubadan becomes an Imperial Majesty and Paramount Ruler. Similarly, 22 Baales who had always cried for an upgrade of their status were also elevated to Obas.

    Since the inauguration of the new structure and Obas, the current Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has not hidden his disdain and resentment to the new arrangement which he considered a personal affront and a reduction of his power. He has a former Governor of the State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja who is also one of the upgraded High Chiefs in his camp. With Ladoja in the fray, the matter has assumed a political dimension, with many alleging that the former Governor wants to fuel the issue to gain political mileage and currency.

    This stance tends to gain support from Ladoja himself, when he alleged last week that the attack on the Olubadan Palace during a meeting was targeted at him and blamed the state government for masterminding it. The Oyo State government has long denied any involvement in the attack.

    Speaking on the matter, the Oyo State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said that the reform carried out in the Ibadan Traditional leadership structure will only enhance the status of Olubadan and deepen traditional governance in the ancient city.

    The Commissioner maintains that the Governor of the state, Senator Ajimobi responded to the call of prominent Ibadan elders, Chiefs, Baales and leaders of thoughts who have consistently called for the review of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law over the years.

    Kolade noted that rather than diminish the status of the Olubadan throne and the current occupant, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, the elevation of the 11 High Chiefs to Obas will enhance the status of Olubadan as the Paramount Ruler while the order of ascension to the Olubadan throne remains the same.

    “For almost 30 years, there have been calls and agitations for the review of Ibadan chieftaincy law. In fact one of the notable Ibadan indigenes, Chief T. A. Akinyele wrote a book in which he posited the need for the Ibadan chieftaincy law to be reviewed. There have been several other books also written by Ibadan indigenes on the need to review the Ibadan chieftaincy law. Between 1974 – 76, and as recent as 2003, there were several commissions of enquiry set up by government to look into chieftaincy matters in the state, during which there were constant calls for a review of the Ibadan chieftaincy law. During the Adio Commission of 2003, some 33 Baales in Ibadan made a request through the respected lawyer Niyi Akintola, (SAN) for them to start wearing beaded crowns. “Out of the 33 Baales then, I think the Commission recommended 16 of them for the title of Obas,” he said.