90th Birthday, Political Intervention Settle Chieftaincy Scores In Ibadan

By Olusakin Babalola, Ibadan

The 90th Birth day Anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadan land and intervention of political gladiators appeared as catalyst for the final resolution of conflicts between the monarch of the city, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and some of his chiefs elevated to the crown wearing traditional rulers.

Olubadan of his wives 

Oba Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso has been at loggerheads with the elevated chiefs who were said to have been promoted by Governor Abiola Ajimobi without the endorsement of the Olubadan of Ibadan who felt slighted.

Both Oba Adetunji resorted to litigation with the monarch and the state government with the Oba winning the first leg of the legal battle while the state government went on appeal.

Chieftains of All Progressives Congress (APC) fingered Senator Rashid Ladoja as supporting the Monarch while most of the youths in the town condemned the decision of the government which ,they believed ,ridiculed traditional institution of Ibadan land.

The interventions of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and other social cultural organizations in the city which poured oil on the troubled waters finally resolved the conflict in the town this week.

The state Governor was billed to attend the birthday ceremony which would fully commence on Sunday while chieftains of other parties would also be in attendance

Professor Toaheed Adedoja, Chairman of the Olubadan’s 90th birthday planning committee, told a press conference in Ibadan on Tuesday that Governor Ajimobi would actively participate in the ceremony.

Addressing the press conference, which is part of activities lined up for the Olubadan’s 90th birthday at the Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace of Oba Adetunji, Adedoja, who was flanked by other members of the committee, revealed that Ajimobi would be among special guests that would grace the ceremony.

Adedoja said: “Governor Ajimobi is giving full moral and financial support to the the Olubadan’s 90th birthday. He is playing the role as the governor of Oyo state; he is playing the role as a son to the Olubadan; he is playing the role as a true son of Ibadanland. He is the Aare of Ibadanland”.

Meanwhile, Oba Adetunji has declared that he would use his 90th “birthday anniversary to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people and pray for the unity and stability of Nigeria”.

Adedoja who revealed that the Olubadan made this promise while inaugurating the birthday planning committee three weeks ago, said the paramount ruler acknowledged that ” to live long is not a right but a privilege “.

Part of activities lined up for the. celebration include: an interdenominational Christian service; homages to the Olubadan; life tributes to the Olubadan; film show; royal walk; public lecture; medical outreach; visits to orphanages and charity homes; conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles to deserving persons; special prayers by Imams and Alfas and birthday receptions to be held simultaneously at the palace and the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.

Adedoja revealed that about 9,300 dignitaries from across Nigeria have signified their intention to grace the Olubadan’s birthday ceremony.

In a related development ,the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has commended the Olubadan and his Council of Chiefs for peacefully resolving their conflict which started last year

Alhaja Kudirat Adewoyin the publicity Secretary of ADP said in a statement that the crisis has become history in the state adding that the chiefs and their royal father have now become one