Chieftaincy row: Ibadan elevated monarchs drop crowns, reconcile with Olubadan

The 21 monarchs in Ibadanland appeared to have dropped their crowns in a move seen as surrendering to the supremacy of Olubadan of Ibadan land Oba Saliu Adetunji.

It followed the monarchs’ appearance on Monday as part of the entourage of the Olubadan to the ongoing Southwest security summit at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI).

The joint public appearance came two years after the monarchs and the Olubadan went their separate ways, following the crowning of members of the Olubadan-In-Council in 2017 by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The monarchs had boycotted the palace since their crowning due to the Olubadan’s opposition to their elevation.

The Olubadan argued that the state government has no right to independently elevate his chiefs.

Though both parties indicated their willingness to reconcile while the crisis lasted, the Olubadan insisted that the only condition for reconciliation was for the elevated high chiefs to drop their crowns and wait for their time to ascend the throne of the Olubadan as is the custom.

But the elevated high chiefs also stood their ground, stressing that their crowning was already gazetted by the state government.

The appearance of the obas at the security summit yesterday, however, indicated that they have surrendered to the tough stance of the Olubadan as they wore only common caps as they sat two lines behind the Olubadan as members of his entourage.

Monday’s outing might be a silent indication that the royal rumble in the Olubadan palace has come to an end without fanfare.

On the entourage yesterday are Otun Olubadan High Chief Lekan Balogun; Asipa Olubadan High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Balogun Olubadan High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Asipa Balogun High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Ekarun Olubadan High Chief Amidu Ajibade and Ekarun Balogun High Chief Adegbola.

At the meeting are also Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olugbo of Ugbo land Oba Frederick Akinruntan; Oba of Lagos

Rilwan Akiolu and a host of other traditional rulers.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde hailed the reconciliation between the Olubadan and his high chiefs.

He gave the commendation during his welcome speech at the ongoing security meeting.

Sighting the high chiefs without their crowns in their attendance with the Olubadan,Makinde said: “In the entourage of the Olubadan, I can see the high chiefs. I think it is a positive development in Oyo State. We are talking about security here; and I think it is part of what will help overall security of the society.”

Ekiti State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, also described the reconciliation as a good development.