The Olubadan stool in Ibadan land has been a subject of controversy recently, as politicians attempt to capitalize on the ascension process to the throne. However, the IBILE G-7, a non-political cultural organization, has issued a warning to the traditional chiefs in Ibadan land to avoid allowing politics to desecrate the revered Olubadan stool.
The process of ascending to the throne of Olubadan has long been admired and studied by other towns and even countries as a model of kingship ascendancy in Africa. However, the IBILE G-7 warns that if the current controversy is not resolved, it could tarnish the reputation of Ibadanland and its people both at home and abroad.
The group has condemned the actions of certain high chiefs, labeling them as treacherous and an attack on the established authority and arrangements for the new Olubadan of Ibadan. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the traditions and selecting kingmakers according to Ibadanland’s customs.
The IBILE G-7 also expresses its concern about the spreading of false information, highlighting the negative impact it can have on the unity and administration of the ancient town. They urge the newly appointed “afobajes” not to allow themselves to be manipulated by disgruntled politicians whose interests may not align with the development and unity of Ibadanland.
Furthermore, the group asserts its commitment to defending the integrity of the Olubadan institution as outlined in the Ibadan declaration. They emphasize that no individual or group has the right to tamper with or invalidate its provisions.
The IBILE G-7 is composed of distinguished professionals from Ibadan who have excelled in various fields. They make it clear that any insults towards the office of the Olubadan, regardless of the perpetrator’s status, will not be tolerated by indigenes.
Eminent Ibadan elites have previously warned against the infiltration of Ibadan chieftancy hierarchy by individuals of questionable character. Such infiltration, according to the group, is tarnishing the city’s reputation and eroding the achievements it had previously gained in preserving customs and oral history.
The IBILE G-7 concludes by expressing disappointment in the behavior of certain chiefs who disrespected tradition and compromised the enduring historical legacy of Ibadanland. They warn that if this impunity continues unchecked, the damage already done will be extended and unprecedented in the history and tradition of the land.
The joint statement was signed by Lanre Ogundipe, former leader of the African Union of Journalists and President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Olajide Laniyonu, a staunch member of the IBILE G-7 group.
