Olubadan : Don’t allow anybody distract you, ex-Ajimobi’s aide, Prof Olowofela writes Gov Makinde

JOSEPH OKWUOFU, Ibadan

A member of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela, has called Governor Seyi Makinde to stand by the legal and traditional way of enthroning the next Olubadan, notwithstanding controversies trailing the ascendancy to the vacant throne.

Citing the innovation put in place by late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Prof Olowofela, a former Commissioner for Education under late governor Ajimobi government, charged governor Makinde not to allow anybody or group of people distract him “on a matter that is clear and simple.”

In an Open letter to governor Makinde, a copy which was made available to Naijaexaminer online newspaper on Sunday, Prof Olowofela described the reforms by late governor Ajimobi as the best in the history of Ibadanland, to ensure that Ibadan is not short-changed among the traditional title holders in Yoruba land.

He said “Some people are making allusion to innovation put in place by Senator Ajimobi (May his soul rest in peace). If you look at the document, it didn’t diminish nor confuse any discerning mind on the succession pattern of Ibadan Obaship but to ensure that Ibadan is not short-changed among the traditional title holders in Yoruba land.

“A careful study by your government will clearly see that your job on this matter is simple.

“Stand by the legal and traditional way of enthroning Oba Olubadan which is a march from Mogaji and, whoever destiny bestows upon, to rise to the position of Oba Olubadan of Ibadan Land.

“Business of governance is not only tasking, but it is cumbersome and energy-sapping.

“Don’t allow anybody or group of people distract you on a matter that is clear and simple.

“Use the instrumentality of Government to affirm the submission of Olubadan-in-Council and confirm the Otun- Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun as the next Oba Olubadan of Ibadan Land”.

According to the Federal Commissioner, and House of Representatives aspirant, there is no controversy regarding the Ibadan title/ascendancy legally and traditionally as long as the Olubadan in Council has met and determined the next Olubadan.

The letter reads “Dear Governor Seyi Makinde, you would have listened to arguments to and fro on ascendancy to the position of Oba Olubadan.

“Michael Lana fired the first salvo by writing a letter to you and another counter letter by Sobaloju and Co.

“The crux of the matter is whether the Otun-Olubadan Chief Lekan Balogun can become the next Oba Olubadan or not.

“As a bonafide son of Ibadan, you are aware of ascendancy to the throne. Legally and traditionally, you are aware that Ibadan title/ascendancy doesn’t have any controversy.

“The Olubadan in Council has met and determined the next Olubadan.

“Some people are making allusion to innovation put in place by Senator Ajimobi (may his soul rest in peace). If you look at the document, it didn’t diminish nor confuse any discerning mind on the succession pattern of Ibadan Obaship but to ensure that Ibadan is not short-changed among the traditional title holders in Yoruba land.

A careful study by your government will clearly see that your job on this matter is simple.

“Stand by the legal and traditional way of enthroning Oba Olubadan which is a march from Mogaji and, whoever destiny bestows upon, to rise to the position of Oba Olubadan of Ibadan Land.

“Business of governance is not only tasking, but it is cumbersome and energy-sapping.

“Don’t allow anybody or group of people distract you on a matter that is clear and simple.

“Use the instrumentality of Government to affirm the submission of Olubadan-in-Council and confirm the Otun- Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun as the next Oba Olubadan of Ibadan Land”.

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