The IBILE G-7, a cultural and non- political organization has warned the traditional Chiefs in Ibadan land not to allow politics and politicians to use them to desecrate the Olubadan stool, reputed to be the best, most reliable, and non- controversial kingship ascendancy system in the entire Yorubaland.
According to the group, the process of ascendancy to the stool of Olubadan, which has become the envy of other towns in Yorubaland and which is now a case study in countries across the world about monarchies in Africa, may degenerate into absurdity and unnecessary controversy, which could generate disrepute for Ibadanland and it’s people, home and abroad.
The IBILE G-7 has posited that High Chiefs behind this unwarranted tension being created and which has never happened before in the history of Ibadan land, could be regarded as treachery and a coup against the constituted authority and the smooth arrangement in the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan.
The IBILE G-7, group argued that the High Chiefs at the centre of the on-going controversy, should realise that their actions, may disrupt the kingship process as presently constituted, and may affect, how Kingmakers are selected and constituted, in accordance to the tradition of Ibadanland.
The Ibile group frowns at the peddling of falsehood and considers it as inimical to the strong bond among the administrative pillars of the ancient historical town of Ibadan.
The IBILE G-7 rising from its emergency meeting, in a statement, declared that the hurriedly constituted afobajes should not allow themselves to be used by a bunch of disgruntled politicians who would like to denigrate their persons, with no lofty ideas to impact others, than promotion of selfish interests, which would not augur well for the development and unity of the people of Ibadanland.
The IBILE G-7 statement, jointly signed by the group leader, Lanre Ogundipe, a former leader of African Union of Journalists and President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists; and a staunch member of the group, Mr. Olajide Laniyonu hereby declare that the new- age Ibadan indigenes frowns at any situation that would allow some clowns and mediocres to create opportunities for themselves to massage personal egos detrimental to the development of Ibadanland”
Continuing, IBIBLE G-7 notes that the “group has resolved to defend the integrity of the institution of Olubadan as enshrined in Ibadan declaration. In this regard, no individual or group of persons has rights to tamper with or invalidate the provision therein.”
The IBILE G7 group, consists of professionals drawn from Ibadan who have distinguished themselves in various spheres of human endeavours.
The group warns that henceforth, indigenes would not tolerate further insults on the office of the Olubadan by anyone, no matter how high placed. “We call on Chief Hamidu Ajibade to retract his statement and tender unreserved apology to the Olubadan – designate, Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
“Ajibade’s insult on these Ibadan title holders stand condemned in all ramifications. Consequently. all well- meaning Ibadan indigenes should caution and warn him against further speaking or representing the Olubadan – in – Council in any of its activities. He should also be warned to desist from further ridiculing or use of uncouth language, ailen to the royal homes in Ibadanland and deploying such against the high ranking cabinet chiefs”.
“Can a highly placed man, throw decency to the wind and pour invenctives on our fathers and yet walk shoulder higher on Ibadan streets? Ajibade’s inordinate ambition and that of his cohorts is repulsive, and he needs to atone for his sins. They cannot be trusted with Ibadan honours with this kind of behavior.
The group further noted, “It has never been this bad, in the history of Obaship in Ibadan and it is high time those who want to expose the ancient town of Ibadan Land, which has remained the political and industrial hub of the South West, to ridicule, to desist from such”
We recall that eminent Ibadan elites had earlier warned on the infusion of Ibadan chieftancy hierarchy with people of questionable pedigree.
Such irrational investiures are now showing traits and casting aspersions on the cherished gains and recognition that the ancient city had garnered over the years. More worrisome is the proliferation on the awards of Mogaji titles on inducement and cash and carry.
The Ibile G-7 group note that the new development is fast eroding past achievements, whereby, Yorubas from all walks of life troop to Ibadan to be schooled in the art of culture and tradition to widen their scope because of its vast knowledge of her indigenes prowess in the areas of preserving our customs and oral history. “What we have now is not the same but a pseudo and junk version of oral history trying to compromise the enduring historical legacy .”
The statement further read : ”Imagine the so – called and acclaimed-6% crowned heads who were in attendance at Mapo Hall to watch the lying- in – state of the late Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun. Mean while a royal father in the state (name withheld) who was in Alli-Iwo palace to commiserate, was led out through an outlet to avert abomination, yet the errant chiefs were gloating in ignorance while perverting tradition and staring at the corpse.”
”It is sad indeed that this set of people should continue to parade themselves as crowned heads. These abuses and disrespect of our tradition, culture, and oaths of allegiances are anomalous”.
The impunity with which the act is unleashed on Yoruba traditions is alarming and if not checked, lots of damage already done will be extended while the misnomers that would follow would be unprecedented in the history and tradition of Ibadan land”
