A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola, has confirmed that the presentation of instruments of office to three newly-elevated Obas in Ibadanland was in order and within the ambit of the law.
Akintola, the Bashorun Bamofin of Ibadanland, stated this on Saturday while appearing on a radio programme.
He noted that neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja, acted contrary to the law or the dictates of the reviewed Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Codifying a Global Standard
Chief Niyi Akintola explained that the development meant that the Ibadan traditional system, touted as the best worldwide, has now been codified. This should ordinarily gladden the hearts of Ibadan sons and daughters.
He lauded former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his successor, Seyi Makinde, for thinking outside the box. By achieving what Ibadan people had been clamouring for over decades, the city—with over 33 towns—now has 11 Obas under the authority of the Olubadan.
“Yesterday was Good Friday and a good day for all the people of Ibadan both at home and in the diaspora. The significance of the event was that the tradition of Ibadanland has now been codified, and it should gladden the heart of every Ibadan son and daughter, because our traditional system has been adjudged as the best in the world.”
Legal Validity and Royal Ascendancy
Akintola dismissed claims that the process was politically motivated. He noted that the law has been amended and ignorance is no excuse for criticism. He further clarified that the absence of the elevated Obas at the ceremony did not negate the royal ascendancy.
“The law has been amended, and the tradition has now been codified. People should go and read it. There is nothing wrong with what was done yesterday. Everything is within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding the Olubadan’s absence, Akintola was firm: “The Olubadan has not denied that he didn’t send the Balogun. The Balogun was there with the Staff of Office of the Olubadan. That confirms the presence of Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Historical Precedent
The issue of whether those high on the succession ladder could participate in politics predated the Makinde administration. Akintola recalled the reign of Oba Michael Odulana, when High Chief Lamidi Adedibu faced a choice between politics or his traditional role.
“So, I have not seen anything wrong with what Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja did, and what the governor did. Both acted within the ambit of the law,” Akintola concluded.
