The IBILE G-7 GROUP, led by former NUJ President Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, has challenged the Oyo State government to provide evidence and clarify the issues surrounding the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The controversy stems from the state government's response to the ongoing discussions about the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. In a press statement, the Commissioner of Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, dismissed the allegations as "rumors" and "preemptive" discussions about succession plans, claiming that the government has no intention of subverting the will of the people or scuttling the ambition of anyone from becoming the next Olubadan.
However, Ogundipe has questioned the government's claims, demanding to know when the review panel on the Ibadan Chieftancy declaration was instituted, who the members were, and what the terms of reference were. He has also challenged the government to produce records of the panel's proceedings and disclose the names of the Chairman and Secretary, including the members.
Ogundipe appealed to the government not to set Ibadan on fire and to bury the hatchet, urging the Oba, High Chiefs, and stakeholders to rise together and put the "enemy of progress" to shame.
The controversy surrounds the government's distribution of a backdated gazette changing the ascendancy clause in the Ibadan Declaration, which has sparked concerns among Ibadan indigenes and stakeholders.
The IBILE G-7 GROUP, led by Ogundipe, has firmly stood its ground, demanding transparency and accountability from the government regarding the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and the review process.