The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and some of his High Chiefs on Monday met in order to find lasting solutions to the lingering crises between the monarch and his chiefs.
The meeting, which was held at the Popoyemoja palace of the Olubadan, according to sources, was part of efforts aimed at ending the rift within the Olubadan-in-Council.
DAILY POST recalls that the monarch and his chiefs had been having a running battle since the conferment of ‘Oba’ tittle on the Chiefs by the immediate past Governor of Oyo state, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi.
It was gathered that the crisis has led to the stoppage of the Olubadan-in-Council meeting.
DAILY POST gathered on Monday that the last time the Olubadan-in-Council meeting was held was May 2017.
The meeting has not been able to hold till date following the interference of the Oyo State Government under Ajimobi in the internal affairs of Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy system.
However, in a bid to put there differences at their backs, some council members on Monday visited the Olubadan at his Popoyemoja , Ibadan palace.
It was gathered that the reconciliation team consisting Otun Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, Osi Olubadan, Rasidi Ladoja and Ekarun Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade arrived the palace at about 12.15pm without crowns in separate vehicles.
Some twenty minutes later, the Olubadan, who was clad in blue Ofi and white crown and half shoe to match, received them with open arms amid songs, drum beat and trumpet sound. He danced and sat on the throne and the high chiefs paid homage.
Although, the details of the meeting remained sketchy, the Otun Olubadan who spoke at the meeting called on Kabiyesi to summon the meeting of Olubadan-in-Council wherein conflicts would be resolved from within rather than without.
Adeola Oloko, Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity to the Olubadan confirmed the meeting to DAILY POST.
Oloko, while confirming that the meeting to find lasting solutions to the crisis was held, said that the High Chief came to the palace without crowns.
He said, “As part of efforts aimed at ending the rift within the Olubadan-in-Council, some council members today visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 at his Popoyemoja , Ibadan palace.
“The reconciliation team consisting of Otun Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, Osi Olubadan, Rasidi Ladoja and Ekarun Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade arrived the palace at about 12.15pm without crowns in separate vehicles.
“They later went into closed door meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes after which reporters and camera men were called in to ask questions and take pictures.
“Otun Olubadan, who spoke at the meeting called on Kabiyesi to summon the meeting of Olubadan-in-Council wherein conflicts would be resolved from within rather than without.
“The first class monarch who thanked the returning high chiefs for coming, noted that his support for reconciliation was premised on the need for unity, progress and solidarity of Ibadan. He told the returning high chiefs that he was all out to protect their interest all along, adding there was abundant evidence that they were being trapped where they went. He stated further that time would tell.”
