The crisis within the Ibadan traditional institution has taken a new twist with the recent 21-day ultimatum threat to depose the Olubadan.
a high chief as long as he wishes. But he added that he did not contemplate any such decision as he does not see himself as an absolute monarch.
He further noted that there was no time the embattled high chiefs were barred from attending palace activities, adding that they were the ones who spurned palace invitations.
He expressed delight that despite their absence from official palace activities, the Olubadan had been exercising his duties without let or hindrance.
He stated that even when they were being harassed and molested in the city and called unprintable names, he had been trying his best to calm frayed nerves in order to guarantee their safety and security by going to court.
The Oba explained that: “By custom and tradition, no Olubadan has been recommended for removal from office by any high chief or group of high chiefs at any time, and my own reign will not be an exception. At least, we have received applications from families of about four of the embattled high chiefs, asking for their immediate replacement. But, like a prodigal son, we hope that they would sooner than later renounce the unrecognised crowns and return to the warm embrace of their father, as the palace door is perpetually open. The high chiefs are hereby advised to emulate high chiefs in other places, who are not wearing crowns but still earn respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land.”
Will the new kings depose the monarch before the court judgement? Are the new kings credible enough to depose the monarch? The judgement, on January 19, 2018, will tell.