The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has cleared the air on the recent controversy surrounding the Olubadan stool, saying there are no conflicts on the matter.
Makinde made these remarks while welcoming Muslim faithful, including members of his cabinet, to his Ikolaba residence on Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The governor also said he was yet to receive any official communication from the Olubadan-in-Council on nomination for the stool.
He wondered why some people were focusing on things that divide the state along traditional lines, saying there’s no place for that under his watch.
He however, cautioned individuals who thrive on sowing discord to desist for the betterment of the state.
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This is coming after family of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Wednesday replied the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, over his declaration that Oba Olakulehin, is still ill and not physically fit to rule at the moment.
The revered Olubadan stool became vacant on March 14 after the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at the age of 81.
Oba Ajibola, who addressed newsmen at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan on Tuesday, claimed that Olakulehin was not healthy and should not be installed as the Olubadan yet.
But in swift reaction, a member of the Olakulehin family, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to officially react, countered Oba Ajibola.
He told Punch Newspapers, “There is no law that states that Baba cannot become Olubadan. Baba is old, there is no doubt about that, just as many of the kingmakers are also old.
“You were clamouring that he should present himself physically and he did. Some of the kingmakers saw him, they took photographs which you newsmen used in your papers. Is Olubadan stool for the Olympics fitness? We know the ages of those who had become Olubadan.
The source accused Otun Balogun that his move is selfish because he will be a direct beneficiary if Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is not fit for the throne.
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“What the Otun Balogun is saying has no basis. He knows he will be the direct beneficiary if Baba is disqualified. There is no reason to want someone ahead of you disqualified because you want to attain the position. We should all learn to wait for our time. God’s time is the best.” He said.
But Oba Ajibola, while addressing journalists, said, “Why the hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with the Ibadan people.
“I am his second-in-command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their selfish interest.”
Speaking on the meeting held at the private residence of Chief Bode Amoo in the Agodi Government Reserved Area in Ibadan, on Monday, Oba Ajibola said, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I’m not part of that. I’ve told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well.
“Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”
He maintained that Oba Olakulehin was packaged last Friday to deceive the people to achieve personal gains.