Like every true Ibadan indigene and lover of truth, equity and justice, I received, on Tuesday, 11 January, 2022, news of the position of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on the ascension to the revered Olubadan stool, with pride and gladness.
My joy had no bounds in relation to the position of the Governor, on the appropriate, morally-upright and legally-justified route to the stool, devoid of the needless and avoidable crisis thrown up on the matter, by the immediate past administration. If the then government hadn’t attempted to fix an unbroken piece – a time-tested, respected and globally commended institution, we sure wouldn’t be here discussing this.
The Governor’s position, without doubt, is one borne out of courage and conviction, in the defence of the time-honored, fool-proof and established traditional institution of the ancient city. Standing by the truth, particularly given the possible political undercurrents, may not have been easy, but that the governor has chosen to, deserves commendation.
The governor’s position, it must be noted, is in line with the stance of Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, and a one-time governor of the state. Senator Ladoja, who at a time when his colleagues in the Olubadan-in-Council, succumbed to the massive pressure of the then government, and acquiesced to its demand on the Ibadan Obaship system, stood firmly, like a lone star, and has in fact, been proven right by the court of law, public opinion, and the recent position of the Oyo State governor, is a man of reflection and foresight, one whose love for Ibadanland, and the preservation of her heritage, is not in doubt.
I, all along, had no doubt that his position on the matter was unassailable, and had on many occasions said so.
As I heartily congratulate Governor Makinde, Senator Ladoja, Mogajis of Ibadanland, and indeed, all Ibadan indigenes and friends on the preservation of our cherished heritage, as well as the honour and glory, by the Executive Governor of Oyo State to the indelible memory of the late Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, I implore members of the Olubadan-in-Council to take to this position of truth and reality, by reverting to the “original concept”, so that as quickly as possible, this needless imbroglio can be put behind us, like it never ever happened, and the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, mounts the throne of our ancestors with dignity and pride, like our forebears did.
May Ibadanland continue to excel and succeed. Okebadan yio gbe wa oo.
SIGNED
Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Solan)
Ibadan
11 January, 2022.
