A cultural and non-political organization in Ibadanland, The IBILE G-7, Wednesday raised the alarm of alleged plans by some politicians to ridicule Olubadan stool.
The group while raising the alarm in a statement jointly signed by the group leader, Prince Lanre Ogundipe, and a member of the group, Mr. Olajide Laniyonu, after its emergency meeting warned politicians against desecrating the Olubadan stool with partisan politics.
Specifically, The IBILE G-7, said: “The High Chiefs at the centre of the on-going controversy, should realise that their actions, may disrupt the kingship process as presently constituted, and may affect, how Kingmakers are selected and constituted, in accordance to the tradition of Ibadanland.
“The hurriedly constituted afobajes should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who would like to denigrate their persons, with no lofty ideas to impact others, than promotion of selfish interests, which would not augur well for the development and unity of the people of Ibadanland”, it said.
The IBILE G-7 added: “The process of ascendancy to the stool of Olubadan, which has become the envy of other towns in Yorubaland and which is now a case study in countries across the world about monarchies in Africa, may degenerate into absurdity and unnecessary controversy, which could generate disrepute for Ibadanland and it’s people, home and abroad.”
“The IBILE G-7 has posited that High Chiefs behind this unwarranted tension being created and which has never happened before in the history of Ibadan land, could be regarded as treachery and a coup against the constituted authority and the smooth arrangement in the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan’.
While frowning at the purported peddling of falsehood , the IBILE G-7 noted that it considered ” it as inimical to the strong bond among the administrative pillars of the ancient historical town of Ibadan and that the new- age Ibadan, any situation that would allow some people to create opportunities for themselves to massage personal egos detrimental to the development of Ibadanland.
“The IBILE G7 group, consists of professionals drawn from Ibadan who have distinguished themselves in various spheres of human endeavours.
“IBIBLE G-7 has resolved to defend the integrity of the institution of Olubadan as enshrined in Ibadan declaration. In this regard, no individual or group of persons has rights to tamper with or invalidate the provision therein.”
The group stressed, ” henceforth, indigenes would not tolerate further insults on the office of the Olubadan by anyone, no matter how high placed. We call on Chief Hamidu Ajibade to retract his statement and tender unreserved apology to the Olubadan – designate, Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
“Ajibade’s insult on these Ibadan title holders stand condemned in all ramifications. Consequently. all well- meaning Ibadan indigenes should caution and warn him against further speaking or representing the Olubadan – in – Council in any of its activities. He should also be warned to desist from further ridiculing or use of uncouth language, ailen to the royal homes in Ibadanland and deploying such against the high ranking cabinet chiefs”.
The group maintained further, “Can a highly placed man, throw decency to the wind and pour invenctives on our fathers and yet walk shoulder higher on Ibadan streets? Ajibade’s inordinate ambition and that of his cohorts is repulsive, and he needs to atone for his sins. They cannot be trusted with Ibadan honours with this kind of behavior.
According to the group, “It has never been this bad, in the history of Obaship in Ibadan and it is high time those who want to expose the ancient town of Ibadan Land, which has remained the political and industrial hub of the South West, to ridicule, to desist from such.”
