Amended Chiefs Law: Makinde unmasked as he appoints Ladoja, other Ibadan High Chiefs Oba
Khalid ABRAHAM
The Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the promotion of 11 Ibadan High Chiefs to beaded crown Obas
This is according to a Punch newspaper report, which quoted “reliable” sources
ogbomosoinsightonline.com recalls that the governor recently signed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill into law seeking to grant him autonomy to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the state, following its passage by the state House of Assembly
Opposition was intense against the law especially from outside Ibadan, the seat of Oyo state government.
Traditional rulers and chiefs from Ogbomoso to Oyo to Oke-Ogun zones and individuals all cautioned Makinde from tinkering with the Chieftaincy Laws that will expunge the regulatory role of the state’s traditional council
However, the pleas were jettisoned and the House of Assembly speedily passed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill and equally hurriedly assented to by the governor
Many were flabbergasted by the urgency that characterized the amendment process worried it would further weaken the traditional institution and create problems in the future
However, with this latest development it is clear now why the amendment was sought desperately in the first instance.
Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi (now late) promoted the chiefs as Obas during his tenure leading to crisis and litigations as the then Olubadan Oba Soliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 and Senator Rashidi Ladoja particularly resisted the move
“Now, Governor Makinde only smoothened the process thereby eliminating opposition, it is now clear while the Chieftaincy Law was amended,” a public commentator, Adeleke Adesoji, remarked while reacting to the development.
Meanwhile, the first set of beneficiaries of the amended law are High Chiefs Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan; Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez
Punch further claimed that a government source, who confided in their correspondent, Wednesday, said the governor had given his consent to the promotion, and the high chiefs will be officially installed as traditional rulers, on Friday, July 7, 2023
It was further gathered that the governor’s approval was sequel to the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who is the prescribed and consenting authority
The source said, “This elevation would have come earlier before now. Even before the administration of the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Ajimobi had a good intention on this elevation but the approach was wrong. Why would you just wake up one day and do something of such nature in just three days or thereabouts
“You will be shocked when you see some Obas from other places who are not even up to High Chief in Ibadanland in a public place with a large entourage. But sometimes, our High Chiefs are regarded as mere chiefs. So, it’s a good decision and the governor has given his consent on that. They will be officially crowned on Friday, July 7, 2023 as stipulated in a letter sent to the governor by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun.
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