Let court decide Olubadan crisis, family heads tell Ajimobi

The Authentic Ibadan Mogajis (heads of families) yesterday advised the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to allow court determine the crisis between the state government and Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji over the newly elevated high chiefs to the position of Obas in Ibadan land.

The Mogajis said there were pressures from people to withdraw the case from court, but that it would be a fight to the finish.

The heads of the families also issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Ajimobi to withdraw his verbal assault against one of the wives of the Olubadan.

The governor had on Saturday during a TV programme, ‘Saturday Special’ said one of the monarch’s wives was his errand sister in the past.

A spokesman for the group, Chief Olawale Oladoja, who is the Mogaji of Akinsola compound in Oopo Labiran area of Ibadan, said at the end of its meeting that the governor’s statement was disrespect to the Olubadan throne and Ibadan people.

In a swift reaction, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr Yomi Layinka, said that the government would not be making itself available for comment on such issues.

Among those who were present at the meeting were the Mogaji Adanla, Chief AbdulJelil Karimu; Mogaji Fatumo compound in Oke Bioku, Fatai Olanrewaju; Mogaji Oloko, Chief Abas Oloko; Mogaji Akere, Chief Moshood Akere; and Mogaji Aladorin, Chief Wasiu Aderoju.

Olawale Oladoja said, “We wish to respond to the governor’s broadcast over the Olubadan issue and coronation of some chiefs. We are law abiding people and we have gone to court over the issue. We are sure that they have the Ministry of Justice in the state government who interprets the law for the executive.

We have nothing against the personality of Ajimobi as an Ibadan son, but we will never fold our hands and allow an individual or government to rubbish the custom of Ibadan land. Like I said, we are already in court and we believe in peace and due process.”