DEPOSITION NOTICE: Olubadan fires back, says ‘high chiefs’ lawless

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has described the deposition threat by the 21 newly installed Ibadan kings which came by way of a notice as an affront to the people of Ibadan.

The Ibadan Council of Obas Monday had issued a 21-day deposition notice to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, accusing him of acting in contravention of the expected hallowed traditions governing the Oba-in-Council.

But a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by the monarch’s spokesman, Adeola Oloko, quoted him as saying that the Oba-in-Council was unknown to the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws.

Adetunji expressed surprise that a group of educated individuals such as the high chiefs could resort to illegality by commenting on a matter before the court.

The Olubadan argued that the Oba-in-Council, which comprises high chiefs and the Olubadan, remained an advisory council with no force of law, or even customs and traditions backing it.

He further argued that the baales, whom the high chiefs added to themselves to become 21, were also not members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

Read also: Intrigue, power play intensify, as 21 kings loyal to Ajimobi issue deposition notice to Olubadan

The traditional ruler said as the appointing authority, he could promote or halt the promotion of a high chief for as long as he so pleased.

He however added that such decision was never even contemplated by him because he did not see himself as an absolute monarch.

Responding to one of their specific allegations, Adetunji said there was no time that the high chiefs were barred from attending palace activities, adding instead that they were the ones who rejected palace invitation.

The monarch expressed delight that in spite of their absence from official palace activities, the Olubadan had been exercising his duties productively.

“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 the respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land,’’  Adetunji said.

 

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