King’s Men Want Olubadan’s Status Preserved in Peace Parley
Ademola Babalola
Ibadan intellectuals and sociocultural group otherwise known as The Ibadan King’s Men (Egbe Bobaselu), has welcomed the current reconciliation efforts aimed at finding amicable solution to the misgivings generated by the crowning of 21 new kings in Ibadan, five months ago.
The spokesman of the group, Dr. Adams Olufemi Akewula, in a statement after the emergency meeting of the group at the weekend, said all members of ‘The Ibadan King’s Men’ are happy that solutions are being proffered to the crisis but maintained that “such reconciliation should respect Ibadan native laws and tradition wherein, Olubadan remains the only recognised Oba of the city.”
Akewula said members reviewed the ongoing peace parley spearheaded by an elder statesman, Dr. Lekan Are with members from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes; religious leaders, opinion moulders; Ibadan elders and some Mogajis (family heads), and expressed confidence in the composition of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC).
The varsity don described as unfortunate the backlash that followed the crowning ceremony by the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, but was quick to add: “All the people involved should retrace their steps now for enduring peace and tranquility of the city.”
He also applauded the concern shown by spectrum of Yoruba Obas and lately, the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Otunba Gani Adams, adding that, “The Ibadan King’s Men are lovers of peace but will not welcome any reconciliation that will downplay the place of Olubadan and any ulterior motive at rewriting the chequered history of the land for selfish and political reasons.”
The group has therefore lauded the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji for being a Royal father with distinction in his conduct and peaceful mien since the crisis broke out, adding that, “if not for the matured manner with which Kabiyesi has taken the matter, the city would have been embroiled in a needless blood letting.”