Ajimobi promotes 33 chiefs to Obas, asks Olubadan to avoid politics
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday promoted 33 chiefs to the status of Obas in Ibadanland, just as he advised the paramount ruler of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji not to be used as political tool.
Ajimobi said the promotion of the new chiefs was not meant to rewrite the history of the land but to elevate and consolidate traditional institution in Ibadanland.
Ajimobi stated this during the presentation of Staff of Office to the newly promoted chiefs at the ancient Mapo hill in Ibadan.
According successive to Ajimobi, administrations in the state had severally embarked on the review of the chieftaincy ascendancy of Olubadan, but there was no political will to implement it until now that the present administration sees the need for it.
He noted that the appellation of Olubadan of Ibadanland remains his imperial majesty while other members of the Olubadan-in Council will be addressed as the royal majesties.
The other baales according to Ajimobi will also be addressed as the royal highness, adding that the Stools of Nine chieftaincies, who have been promoted to Obaship, were yet to be filled.
“As Traditional Rulers, I implore you to distance yourselves from anything capable of tarnishing your esteemed position. We also congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland and advise that Kaabiyesi should remain the father of all Ibadan citizens and not allow himself to be used by disgruntled as observed in his recent utterances which tend towards the political. It should be noted that Obas are not expected to play politics.
“On this note, in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 28(i) Cap. 28 Vol. 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, I have promoted 33 Chiefs to Obas in Ibadanland.”