“This epoch- making event in the annals of the history of Ibadanland is a practical demonstration of our administration’s commitment to the enhancement of dignity and honour of the chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.”
That was how he began the speech – a speech that heralded the needed change of obsolete policies but which was parochially antagonised with a sinister motive to give falsehood a garb of semblance of truth and malign the reputation of Governor Ajimobi.
Few years ago, the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, presented certificates and staff of office to 21 chiefs, who were among the 33 recently elevated to the status of kings (Obas) in Ibadan, following the adoption of the recommendations of a judicial commission of inquiry earlier inaugurated by the governor.
The colourful ceremony, held at the arcade of the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan was attended by prominent Ibadan elders, socio-cultural groups, opinion leaders and a large number of Ibadan citizens home and abroad. It was an event that marked a turning point in the history of the ancient city, which used to have the Olubadan of Ibadan land as the only beaded crown wearing king, in its 11 Local Governments and with a population of about four million.
In his objective nature, sincerity of purpose and a visionary leader he was, Governor Ajimobi had effected the inevitable change with a view to promoting the image of Ibadan. Thus, the elevation of 11 members of the Olubadan-in-council to the status of Oba, with the prefix ‘his royal majesty. These were Otun olubadan, Balogun, Osi, Asipa and others.
Although, only eight were available for the event, following the death of two high chiefs and the refusal of Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to be part of the process. The Iyalode was not a beneficiary due to the forbidden nature of female, becoming Kings.
In addition to the review of the extant laws, bales (chiefs) from different towns in Ibadan land were also promoted to the position of Oba, with the prefix of ‘his royal highness.’ Some of these Bales are Ololorunda of Olorunda-Abaa, Onikereku of Ikereku, Onido of Iddo, Onilalupon of Lalupon, Alajia, Onijaye. ,Alakanran, Ola of Lagun. ,Elejioku, Ololodo, Elegbeda, Oniroko, Alararo of Araro aperin to mention but a few. They were initially known Bales but are now Known, called and regarded as Obas. All the newly-promoted Obas were under the authority of the Olubadan then, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who will be the only ‘imperial majesty,’ while none of them will add the suffix ‘land’ to his title.
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However, tongues began to wag and a section in the state began to misinterprete the policy. The allegation wa that the review was aimed at witling down the influence and authority of the Olubadan as the supreme monarch in Ibadanland. Thus, his explanation that the initiative was borne out of a strong sense of patriotism and a resolve to elevate, uplift, transform and reposition the chieftaincy institution of Ibadanland fell into the deaf ears of those who never saw what Ajimobi saw.
Quoting the late Governor,; “….I wish to state categorically that we are not changing history; we are not changing tradition; we are not changing the culture of Ibadan land. Rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution and the exalted position of the Olubadan as the imperial majesty in Ibadanland.” As brilliant as he was, he even quoted a famous author, Henry James, who once said that ‘a tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it,’ to buttress his point. As laudable as it was, the exercise was not encumbered by any legal impediment. What followed was a sarcastic remarks that Ajimobi put “Ade Paali” on the High chiefs and Bales. In fairness to the late Governor, the elevation did not alter or tinker with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure. It was not also intended to ridicule the revered stool, after all, Ajimobi was an Ibadan Son. It was a genuine intention, borne out of his administration’s burning desire to redress the lopsidedness in the number of beaded crown obas in Ibadanland in comparison with other zones in the state. Infact, the immediate past Olubadan, who spoke on behalf of others did say that; “I want to make it clear that the Olubadan, his imperial majesty, remains our father. It will be more heartwarming and prestigious when we follow him to events henceforth with our crowns.”
I make bold to say that the review of the 1959 Olubadan chieftaincy declaration was not a novel idea, having been carried out by successive administrations in the state in 1974, 1981, 1993 and 2000. It is in record that a governor of the state once set up the Adio Commission to review the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration before jettisoning the commission’s recommendations.
However, the controversy was laid to rest when the current government was inaugurated. Before his swearing in, a court had given its ruling on the matter. Quoting the judgement; “the right to wear beaded crown and coronet granted by the state government during the pendency of the suit, are hereby revoked.” The new government who had sought to settle the matter out of court eventually withdrew the ‘ Ade Paali”
Without mincing words, the late governor of Oyo state, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi will turn from his side from the grave and heave a sigh of relief that his visionary idea, which was politically blackmailed, erroneously interpreted and parochially condemned is what today’s government is dusting, repackaging and presenting to the people of the state through the states house of assembly. He has been vindicated. This indeed is an allegorical statement of ” throwing the baby away with the bathed water”. Or, is it not unbelievable that the hitherto rejected policy has now become a cornerstone ! This is a leader with discerning mind. It is evidently clear now that the antagonists of his vision failed to identify with the merits in the review due to inuendos and political colouration. What was referred to as a disgrace then, has turned to a grace. In the developed nations of the world, leaders with discerning mind, who can reason beyond the box and see beyond their nose are celebrated. They are simply unique
The recent passage of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Bill, 2025 into Law by the Oyo state House of Assembly under the speakership of Honourable Ogundoyin was the brain child of late Ajimobi. The bill was passed during the plenary session, following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours by its Vice Chairman, Bamidele Adeola. The newly amended bill retains the rotational chairmanship clause and expands The council’s membership from 35 to 41. In its wisdom, the house affirmed the rotational chairmanship system, ensuring that leadership
oscillates among the three prominent royal fathers in the state. These are the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland on a two two -year rotational basis. Furtherance to the rotation and cognisance of the need for inclusivity and broader representation, the house has also incorporated other Obas into the fold. They include Olu of Igboora, Onilala of Lanlate and the Alado of Ado-Awaye. The amendments also include provisions for Deputy Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship. Without their elevation initially by Ajimobi, they would not hand the opportunity to benefit from the house of Assembly amendment laws in the new arrangements. Under the revised schedule II, Deputy Chairmanship positions are designated for Eleruwa of Eruwa, Aseyin of Iseyin, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Okere of Saki among others in Oyo State.
Contrary to insinuation in some quarters that the current review was skewed in favour of a particular zone to further dominate other zones, it was neither an abberation nor an absurdity but a necessary amendment that is long overdue. The review does not in any way diminish or whittle the influence of Alaafin. It is the global practice to expunge obsolete laws with a view to injecting fresh ideas without covertly or overtly without demeaning or desecrating the extant policy.
Earnestly, we need to give the credit to late Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State for his intellectual audacity and Governor Seyi Makinde for his belief in objective and sincere implantation of the policy.
Meanwhile, I am of the view that; though, the Bales have been elevated to the status of High Chief in their various areas of jurisdictions, there is the need to improve their monthly renumeration in tandem with their status. The relevance of these High Chiefs are highly consequential and thus, it should commensurate with their monthly allowance.
Written by Hon.(Chief) Olagoke Abidemi
