…says crisis of 2019 used to unite, strengthen institution
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured that the Ibadan traditional institution will remain solid and united for the next 50 years, crediting bold reforms by his administration for stabilising the once crisis-ridden system.
Makinde made the assertion on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, at the family residence in Ibadan.
He recalled the crisis he inherited upon assuming office in 2019, particularly around the issue of crown-wearing by high chiefs, which had caused deep division within the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy.
“When I came into government in 2019, I encountered a crisis in the Ibadan traditional institution,” Makinde said. “I told everyone that the crisis would be temporary and that we would work to resolve it for good.”
He recounted a moment with the late monarch shortly after his intervention in the chieftaincy crisis. “The Sunday after that meeting, I met Kabiyesi in church at Aremo, and he said, ‘Governor, you stopped us from putting on our crowns’, and I responded, saying ‘It is for good.’ Today, there is no question about the unity and strength of that institution.”
Makinde added that the reforms implemented by his administration have helped unify the system and restore respect for traditional authority in Ibadanland. “I am bold to say that for the next 50 years, the Ibadan traditional institution will remain solid, because we are now united,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the traditional institution and Ibadan indigenes for their support during the process, saying, “Quite frankly, what we did was what had been done before, but it elicited crisis then. This time, we were deliberate and consultative, and we succeeded.”
Governor Makinde also pledged to fully participate in the burial rites of the late monarch, stating, “As a governor and his son from Aremo, I will pay my last respects to Baba.”
In his remarks, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, lauded Makinde’s leadership and said the governor brought calm during turbulent times.
“Your tenure has been renowned for good things, especially with regard to the traditional institution. When things were hot, you were there, and you brought calm. We are thankful,” Oba Ajibola said.
Also speaking, the eldest son of the late Olubadan, Prince Sumbo Owolabi, thanked the governor for standing by the family before and after the monarch’s passing.
“You are doing a very wonderful job,” he said. “We all know you have started well, and we pray that you will end well by the grace of God.”
Governor Makinde was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; his Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; commissioners; state lawmakers; council chairmen from Ibadanland; and other key government officials.
