Ibadan Chieftaincy Review: Ajimobi’s Indigenship Is Questionable- Akinpelu, Atayase Olosun of Ibadanland

As reactions continue to pour in over the recent review of Ibadan
chieftaincy arrangement by Oyo state government; an Ibadan Chief who
is also the Atayase Olosun of Ibadanland, Adesina Akinpelu has
challenged Senator Abiola Ajimobi to show proof of being truly an
indigene of Ibadan.
The Ibadan Chief who stated while fielding questions from journalists
in Ibadan said that no real Ibadan indigene would dare venture into a
tradition that has been in existence since the days of our
forefathers.
“With this action coming from our Governor; it is very important for
us as real Ibadan indigenes to launch an investigation into the
indigeneship of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The reason is that, no real or
true Ibadan indigene that would ever venture into a tradition that is
naturally self-reformed. Ascension to the throne of Olubadan is one of
the best in the world because it is devoid of any controversy.
Speaking further on the indigeneship of Senator Ajimobi; he challenged
the Governor to make public the name of the village (ancestral root)
where his forefathers came from.
“For those of us who are real Ibadan indigenes, we have our villages
(ancestral root) before coming to have compounds within Ibadan. And
from the fact at my disposal, the Governor does not have a village
(ancestral root) and that his forefathers were not sons of the soil
but settlers. And if our dear Governor thinks this is not true, he
should make public historical proof of him being the true son of the
soil.”
Akinpelu also condemned those who are supporting the review; saying
that the action of the Governor is political rather than genuine
intention to modernise Ibadan traditional system.
“I see the action of our governor as purely political rather than
genuine intention to modernise Ibadan traditional system. Our
ascension arrangement is devoid of any crisis and Ajimobi must not
settle political score with Ibadan tradition. By the time it
degenerates into real crisis, the Governor won’t be able to handle it
and also create problem for future government.”
He also commended Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and other
chiefs as well Ibadan indigenes that have kicked against the plan.
“The entire youths of Ibadan both at home and in the Diaspora will
resist the review. We have a tradition that is self-reformed. That is
why we don’t have crisis like it is the case with other towns in
Yorubaland.
Akinpelu urged the governor to do the honourable thing by reversing
the planned review.
“It is not too late for Ajimobi to reverse his action. If there is
need for any review to our existing tradition; there are processes to
be followed.”
It would be recalled that Oyo state government last week received a
report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of the
existing 1957 Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and other related
chieftaincies in Ibadanland.
Part of the recommendations of the commission was for Ibadan to have
32 beaded crown-wearing Obas, while the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji,
will maintain his status as the paramount ruler.