The Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has disclosed that all controversies and kingship tussles surrounding ascension to the Olubadan stool have been amicably resolved
Senator Ladoja made this known shortly after a meeting of the Olubadan in council with Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde at the government house
It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had insisted that his administration would ensure the Ibadan traditional system revert to its original concept following controversies arising from ascension to the stool of Olubadan as a result of the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji
The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland who is also a member of the Olubadan in council affirmed that though some of the high chiefs had left earlier, but they had all peacefully agreed to the resolutions of the meeting, assuring that Senator Lekan Balogun who is next in line to the stool remained the authentic candidate for the stool
He also promised that the Olubadan in council would jointly make a public statement on their resolutions soonest
The position of the executive governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde on the lingering controversy on the procedures of ascension to the coveated seat of Olubadan reminds me of the biblical King Solomon. God had given the young king a rare chance to request for anything. As young as he was, he made the right and the best choice. Solomon opted for wisdom to the consternation of his subjects.The wisdom was subsequently granted and surreptitiously accompanied with other needed impetus that facilitated his success on the throne. Solomon shunned covetousness, greed, materials and a host of other ephemerals. His reign was successful.
Like King Solomon, the executive governor of Oyo state has displayed an uncommon wisdom. He listened, meditated, sought advice and prayed. The resultant effect is his verdict on the imbroglio that has almost desecrated the globally respected ascendancy process of Ibadanland.
The position of his Excellency cannot be said to be biased. He has the knowledge of the subject matter and so could not be subjective to manipulation. His statement is central and an influential expression of the mood of the teeming populace. Although, the anxious indigenous people had waited patiently to hear from the oracle. He; and probably the court holds the ace; and so can set the pace. And he has set it the right way.
Prior to the statement, there were tenacious searches for the norms in the face of intrigues, double-dealing and swindle at the hands of the cooked guides and fabricated narrations. The intrigues had shown a near collapse of the ancient tradition of ascension which was torn asunder by some over-zealous elites through the muzzle of power. They showed the city a wobbling adrift through the chaotic fractures of systemic and institutional dysfunction but to a dead end. The advocates of this apocalyptic move are better explained in the Frantz Fanon book, ‘The wretched of the earth’.
The statement of the amiable governor was crystal clear, lucid and germane. It was a resolution to revolution and one against reactionary imperialists. We are privilege to have amongst a people lost in collective amnesia; a select few who have elected themselves as national soul-guides and chronicler of history.
Equiped with fact, the state governor had made a startling remarks which has prevented the rottenness of our heritage. For archive, a periscope into the four main cardinal points as encapsulated in the statement read thus:
(1). Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept.
(2) This is the last time there will be a controversy on who should be the next Olubadan.
(3) I am giving the assurance to every indigene and resident of Ibadan that what Kabiyesi, Oba Saliu Adetunji stood for is what I will carry through.
(4) Anyone who wants can key into it.I know Baba( Oba Adetunji) is watching us and will give us the support we need to do what is right and needful to protect the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadanland.
With these statements, it is cock sure that the family of the late kabiesi would have noticed a vibration in the grave of Baba, turning his side and beaming with smile in approval of the position of the governor to which had fought relentlessly. In contrast, someone else might wear a forlon and melancholic look in anticipation of the accompanying timidity of surrendering of the crafted crown.
Like the coined maxim of “no victor, no vanquished; the stance of the governor did not in a way obstruct the installation of the learned potential successor but the decision lies with the high chiefs themselves. Though a precarious situation. The situation could be likened to the “aliens compliance order” of Ghananians authority when the foreigners were forced to return to their countries at the twilight of their woeful economy. In the same way, the “Obas” would have to renounce, retrace and retract some pronouncements hitherto made on the unfolding drama. In simple terms, the gladiators would have to walk a tight rope in negotiating their ways to the ancestral fold. However, it takes more than tribal marks and a family name to claim citizenship.
The soft-spoken governor is much more than a historian. A historian can only record an event on the face value but a visioner turns event into a human experience beyond the plasticity cause and effects-permutations. The verdict has indeed unlocked the memory door into our recent past and retraces the footsteps of some un-sung heroes who transgressed the formidable barriers erected against self-worth.
A significant percentage of respondents have expressed support for the position taken by His Excellency. One of such was from a notable politician and Lawyer, Chief Lanlehin. He had commented to commend the governor saying; ” your position was borne out of conviction, courage”.
Late music maestro, Michael Jackson once posited that; “it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathon.”
Reform is essential in view of the dynamic nature of the world. It is a phenomenon that must not be mingled with politics. If the propounders of the reform had not attached sentiment, it would have been the best. The political colouration attached to it had erode d its merit, originality and given it the interpretation of imitation which Jackson was referring to.
It remains to be seen whether the modern obas would heed the advice of the governor.
Ibadan O ni baje… E ba n gb’omo oke…!!
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a Columnist with Oduduwa Online news.
Member representing Ibadan NorthWest/ SouthWest Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Odidi-Omo on Wednesday identified with the Governor of Oyo State, family of Late Alao Akala, Ogbomoso Indigenes and the entire people of Oyo State on the demise of former Governor of the State, His Excellency Otun Adebayo Alao Akala.
According to a statement posted on his social media page, the Honorable said “With a sharp pain in my heart I received the news of sudden demise of His Excellency Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, the former governor of Oyo State”
“The sad news broke this morning and very unbelievable to many, Otunba Alao-Akala has given his best to the development of our dear state and the nation in general, as he served meritoriously at the Nigeria Police force and as the governor, he touched the lives of many, he was so generous and loved by the people of the state”
“As I feel the pain, I extend my deepest sincere condolences the family, Ogbomosho land most especially His Excellency the governor of Oyo state Seyi Makinde and the entire state in general, he will surely be missed within the circle.”
“This is a sad moment for the people of Oyo state, but death is inevitable, I pray that Almighty gives all the fortitude to sail through this tough situation, and pray the his gentle soul rest in perfect peace”
The Executive Governor of Oyo State on Wednesday condoled with the people of Oyo State on the death of Otun Alao Akala, a former Governor of the State who died on Wednesday.
“I join the good people of Oyo State to mourn the passing of a former Governor of our dear state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, which sad event took place today. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss”
As a way of honoring the late Governor, Governor Makinde also directed that the State Flag should be fly at half-mast.
“I have directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of Governor Alao-Akala, our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State”
“His Excellency will be remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as Governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan”
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi In Tuesday visited the Popoyemoja Palace of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso 1.
While speaking at the Palace, the Governor assured the family and all Ibadan Indigenes that the State Government will give the late monarch a State Burial.
Governor Makinde said, “those using the excuse of Baba’s death to cause trouble all over town as to who deserves to be the next Olubadan, let me state it clearly, Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept. This is the last time there will be a controversy on who should be the next Olubadan.
“As the government, I’m giving the assurance to every indigene and resident of Ibadan that what Kabiyesi, Oba Saliu Adetunji stood for is what I will carry through. Anyone who wants can key into it. I know Baba is watching us and will give us the support we need to do what is right and needful to protect the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadanland.”
The Governor further expressed his deep condolences on the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji adding that the late Kabiyesi was a man of integrity who stood for what he believed in. He added that the late Kabiyesi will be given a befitting royal burial. His words: “Baba deserves a royal and befitting burial and as the government in Oyo State, we will do just that. “I have the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters here with me and we will discuss with Mama on how to coordinate the burial. Don’t be afraid Mama, this is our burial, the state’s burial.”
It was a impactful time at the 2nd Edition of the YIELD SUMMIT organized by Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Youth Club of St. Paul’s Ang. Church, Yemetu, Ibadan between Thursday 6 – Friday 7 January, 2022 at St. Paul’s Praish Hall, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The summit began on Thursday 6 January with the opening ceremony graced by the Chairman of the Summit, Chief Adegboyega Adebunmi; a Former Permanent Secretary of Oyo State, who was represented by his son Mr. ‘Sanmi Adebunmi, Keynoter, Dr. Philip Olujimi; a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ajani Kayode; Founder Career Advancement Information Network among others.
In his presidential address, the President – Apanpa, Folorunsho A. said the summit was one of the new Innovation he Initiatived in 2019. “This Yield Summit was one of the new Innovation I Initiatived in the year 2019 during my tenure as the Club Secretary while being assisted by Bro. Bukunmi Ogunsola, the then Assistant Club Secretary under the led administration of Bro. Tosin Opeyemi, President 2019-2021. He further said “the summit was primarily instituted to assemble young people across all works of life to teach and educate ourselves on topical issues affecting the young people and the nation at large and also to look into the proofer solution(s) to this. Also, in building a life network of opportunities among young people.” However, it’s painful that promising young people of the century major the minor and minor the major, while wanting to get to the pinnacle of life by by-cuting the due process, Apanpa said.
The Chairman in his address delivered by his son Mr. ‘Sanmi Adebunmi, applauded the organizer of the summit for the initiative “I brought greetings from Chief Adegboyega Adebunmi to this honourable gathering and applauded the organizer for the new initiative around Yemeu and Ibadan as a whole.” He said this kind of empowering program was not in place during thier his dad’s era and that of his own ” This kind of empowering youthful program was not in place during my dad’s era and that of mine, so I want to enjoin the young people to key into all good initiative set up for them to be a candidate full of knowledge and also to be of positive mindset always”.
In the keynote address tagged on the theme “MINDSET: 21ST CENTURY’S VIEW” Dr. Philip Olujimi, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said that ” In attempt to answer the challenging question of the mindset in the 21st century’s view, a certain attributes of life must be considered vis a vis, academic, creativity, entreprenurial, leadership and political orientation of life. The most compelling urge in our life should be our motivation and drive to self fulfuillmemt and self realization”. Olujimi in concluding his address said ” I must conclude this keynote address by no less than an important aspect of life that sub-serves the mindset of youths of the 21st century. This is no other attributes than ‘SERVICE’ render service if you will succeed, be among the great servers, the benefactors, it is only path to success by making the society your debtor and you may find your place among immortals”.
The Founder of Career Advancement Information Network – Ajani ‘Kayode took the participate through the first plenary session on Creative Mindset – A Self Discovery. He said, ” A creative mindset lies at the core of a creative person. Individuals have to discover themselves to enable them to maximize the rich potentials for the benefit of themselves and the society at large”. He further stated that;
“In the journey to self discovery, the place of creative mindset can’t be underrated. It can also means breaking out from whatever routinely work you’re doing and try something new for a change. It does not have to be something as bold and ambitious. You can enhance your creative thinking by doing something fun, something you enjoy, or something that you have always wanted to do. Also, take a break If you are too tired or stressed to work on a task, then do not bother staring at your assignment because at your state, it won’t get you anywhere or worse, you’ll end up doing a very poor job at it. Step outside and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the block, or head to your favorite place to visit, such as a public park or the shopping center”
At the end of the day sections, an Award of Excellence was presented to the guests in recognition of their contribution and continued work for the development of the young people across the globe in valuing thier good deeds and what they would continue to do for the young people by the President – Apanpa, Folorunsho A. on behalf of the Club. The second phase of the summit continued on Friday 7 January, 2022 with the plenary sessions led by the presentation of Hanson Olakunle, Youth President, YMCA Nigeria National Youth Forum on Enterprenureship Mindset, A Solution to the Unemployment Rate Among Young People. In his presentation he said, “Entrepreneurship is essential for economic development. Enterprenures promote balanced regional development in the country.” Entreprenures are stupidly Confident as how their goal will be work out against all odds and needs to bear risk, Hanson claimed “You shouldn’t consider begin an entrepreneur if your risk appetite is not high. Entreprenures develop thick skins to faliure and disappointment.” Immediately after Hanson’s presentation, the Immidiate Past President Students Union of University of Ibadan – Akeju Olusegun mantled the podium for his presentation which centers on Leadership Mindset, a way of becoming part of Policy and Decision Making. He cannotes that leadership ideas must be in the subconscious of everyone while reflecting to John Locks’ “Tabularasa” and urged young people to be patriotist for the development of the country “If a leadership mindset is haboured by the Nigerian youth, it will be a good preparation to take up roles and positions in the country. Nigerian Youth should be ready to take up the roles of decision-makers in legislative and executive arm of government.” Parents must start teaching this kids to be leaders-who knows tommorow?, Akeju adviced. After the end of the plenary sessions, the gusts were also presented Award of Excellence as that of former day. The summit was rounded off with closing remark by the President – Apanpa, Folorunsho A. “My profound appreciation goes to the Almighty God who has been our strength as a Youth Club since our inception in 1983 and the privilege to have a successful summit. I recognize every one who has been part of the summit for their notable contributions – the Church under the Vicar-ship of The Ven. Dr. Samuel A.O Osungbeju, the Chairman of the Summit, Chief Adegboyega Adebunmi, Keynote Speaker, Dr. Philip Olujimi, the sessions facilitators Ajani Kayode, Hanson Olakunle and Akeju Olusegun, the executive committee, Club members and every participants. He recognized the presence of Mr. Bayo Oyedeji, the Youth Coordinator of YMCA Ibadan and Bro. Isreal Odeajo, the Youth Chairman, YMCA Nigeria Western Zone who also graced the event. While he concluded that all should build up the positive mindset as power lies in it and that the presentations manscripts would be converted into e-book for it to cross the globe with it unvaning in February and he declared the 2nd Edition of the summit close.
Sylvester Oromoni’s Death: Lagos Clears All Suspects In Police Custody
The government of Lagos state has cleared five employees and five students of Dowen college who were said to have been suspects involved in the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni.
Following the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, MS. Adetutu Oshinusi which was addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department,SCID and the trial magistrate, Magistrate Olatunbosun Adeola, where it was made known that the final autopsy reports released by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the toxicology report of post mortem samples and that of Central Hospital, Warri shows the same result as the cause of death taged; Septicaemia, Lobar Pneumonia with Acute Pyelonephritis, Pyomyositis of the right ankle and Acute Bacteria Pneumonia due to severe Sepsis.
According to the DPP’s advice, the result of all this reports gotten at the hospitals also did not indicate the presence of any toxic or poisonous substance in the body of the deceased. The legal advice therefore concluded that there is no suspected case of murder or involuntary manslaughter or wrong feeling of administering of poison, with an intention to cause harm.
The state also cleared the minors; Favour Benjamin aged 16, Micheal Kashamu (15), Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14) and Kenneth Inyang (15) of accusations of belonging to an unlwaful society as there is no sufficient proof to establish the offence.
Explaining that the investigation carried out by the police did not reveal that any secret society name, tattoo or insignia of any unlawful society was found in the possession of any of the suspects during the police investigation, adding that to hold otherwise would amount to sniffing for an offence and a speculative act which the law does not permit.
The school as a whole and five of its employee: Celina Uduak, Valentine Igboekweze, Hammed Ayomo Bariyu, Adesanya Olusesan Olusegun and one Adeyemi were cleared of the offence of Negligent Act Causing Harm contrary to section 252 of the Crimina Law Ch. C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State 2015. The state then orderd the release of all suspects if they are still held in custody.
…In response to Lawyer Lana’s letter to Governor Makinde
In Yorubaland, installation of successive Obas has always generated furore. This may not be unconnected with the influence, power and respect that are attached to the status. Ideally, at the demise of an Oba, it is a norm that a successor would be coronated. Meanwhile, installation of a successor is dependent on the extant customary law. Although, every prince is a potential Oba but the King-makers; who expectedly are not partisan, have a great role to play. Their recommendation is essential to government’s ratification.
Boisterously, the process of installation of a successor in Ibadanland is the most rancour-free. The pattern is designed in such a way that allows a progressional and sequential promotion from the angle of depression to an angle of elevation. The Olubadan-in-council is an hierarchical order or organogram that allows seniority. Thus, the most- senior Chief automatically steps into the shoe of the departed Oba without much ado.
Ibadan sons and daughters need no soothsayer to tell them who wears the crown. The tenth Oba is already known. It is needless to begin to explain the two royal lineage to the post. It is inconsequential to the subject of the matter.
Consequent upon the demise of the 41st Olubadan on Sunday 2nd of January, 2022, the home of Dr. Senator Lekan Balogun at Alarere area of Iwo road became a mecca of some sort while his family compound at Ali Iwo around Gate went into wild jubilation which coincided with festive period. His private home became the cynosure of all eyes and the whole place went ecstatic. Reason: he is the heir apparent to the stool. The Otun-Olubadan is not unknown to the public. He is an erudite scholar, writer, Administrator and a personality of high pedigree.
Barely 24 hours to the demise of Oba Akanmu Adetunji, a letter emanated from the desk of Barrister Lana. It was addressed to the Executive Governor of Oyo state. Momentarily, the jubilant mood of the people at Ali- Iwo was punctured. Barrister Lana is not just a lawyer. He is not a “charge and bail” solicitor. Rather, he is legal luminary who’s words are authority. He was once a commissioner of Justice in Oyo state. Thus, he is privy to customary ordinances that establish Ibadan Obaship.
Expectedly, there have been mixed reactions to the letter. Actually, the letter is a reminiscence of the litigation filed by the Seriki group prior to the installation of late Oba Odugade. The letter was given publicity by ever-reliable Oduduwa Online news; and yours sincerely have perused the letter with all objectivity. In fairness to the respected legal luminary, the body language of the letter is not ambiguous and devoid of sinister motive. Rather, it should be seen as an inquest and advice.
Quoting copiously from the letter; “.. in the history of Ibadanland, we have never had such a structure where the legality or otherwise of the installation of the Olubadan would be an issue and this is what your predecessor did not take into consideration before an illegal journey”.
The ” illegal journey ” being referred to is a veil reference to the controversial elevation of some high chiefs to the position of obas in Ibadan. This was to the was extent that the obas were empowered to wear crowns with the title; “His Royal Highness”. The arrangement also conferred the title of “His Imperial Majesty” on Olubadan. This issue pitched the elevated high chiefs against Olubadan and Olubadan against the then governor of the state, Senator Ajimobi. Ironically, the duo are no more. Their actions have become a subject of discussion and ridicule.
Having carefully perused the letter, there was nothing to suggest that the lawyer was acting any script. The letter was borne out of sincerity. The onerous task lies with the current government to approach the court before any coronation. Since the case is pending in court of competent jurisdiction; honestly, it would be unreasonable to hurriedly hold the installation. Rather, government should hasten the court adjudication.
The erudite lawyer did make two suggestions to ward off the Imbroglio. It is either the high chiefs withdraw the case they instituted or court’s pronouncement on whether the elevated chiefs are entitled to wear the beaded crowns and still be installed as Obas. Succinctly, can an existing Oba be crowned as Oba again !
The conclusive part of the letter was comical. It reads; ” The ball, your Excellency, is in their(high chiefs) court.
Meanwhile, rising from a two-hour closed-door meeting held on Monday 3rd of January at the house of the would-be successor to the throne, Senator Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council posited that the age-long Olubadan Succession plan remains sacrosanct. The high chiefs maintained that the elevation conferred on all of them is inconsequential to the installation of new Oba and that promotion would not preclude any of them to mount the throne whenever it is their turn. This is an apparent response to Lawyer Lana’s letter.
On a finality, it would be suicidal, prejudicial, parochial and impatient to castigate the erudite lawyer. You have got to painstakingly read the letter before you crucify him because the learned person was not against any personality but the system.
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a Columnist with Oduduwa Online News.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and entire members of JCI Olubadan, I commiserate with the family of Late Oba Saliu Adetunji, (Ajeogunguniso 1), the Olubadan-in-Council and the entire people of Ibadan on the passing away of our father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The passing away of Olubadan of Ibadan is indeed a great loss. From building a successful media business as young person to being a king, Oba Saliu Adetunji lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The king during his time embodied great leadership. As a father and leader, he embraced youth leadership and ideas.
His warm welcome and hospitality to us in September 2021, during JCI Olubadan Clean UP Exercise in the Olubadan Palace was another demonstration of his love for youths.
Like the previous Olubadans, Late Oba Saliu Adetunji was true symbol of royalty and leadership. This is why JCI Olubadan continue to associate herself with the monarchy and the revered stool of Olubadan.
We pray that almighty God grant the family and entire Ibadan indigenes the fortitude to bear this loss.
The Federation of Ibadan Indigenes, National Council under the leadership of Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo O pka Aare Fakolade on Monday identified with all Ibadan Indigenes on the death of his Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso 1.
According to the National President, he described the death of the monarch as a colossal loss.
“On behalf of all Ibadan Students both home and abroad, I send my condolences to the family of our later father and an exemplary king, whose time was known for peace”
“Kabiesi death was a colossal loss, the little years he spent on the throne was known for peace and progress, we will all miss you”
The President further prayed that God should grant him Aljanah Fridaous and forgive all his shortcomings.
