The Ibadan Maja Maja Group [IMMG] has said that the Governor of Oyo,
Senator Abiola Ajimobi should be held responsible for Alaafin of Oyo,
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s disparaging comments on Ibadan people
while presenting car keys to the newly promoted monarchs and chiefs.
The group in a press release signed by Atayese Olosun of Ibadan land,
Chief Akinpelu Abdulkabir and made available to journalists in Ibadan,
berated the action of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Chief Akinpelu in the release stated that governor Abiola Ajimobi who
was instrumental to the installation of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba
Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I has suddenly turned against
the highly respected monarch because of selfish and political reasons.
“I wonder why a Governor will be meddling in affairs relating to the
culture and tradition of Ibadan people. The refusal of some
masquerades to obey the order of Olubadan in the just concluded
‘Egungun festival’, I gathered was the handiwork of the Governor.
Also, the disparaging comment made by Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi
Olayiwola Adeyemi at the presentation of car keys to 38 newly promoted
monarchs and chiefs shouldn’t have happened if the Governor had
adhered to the judgement of a High Court on the chieftaincy review
matter.”
He described Oba Adetunji as a contented monarch who can’t be
influenced by material things and described him as a true son of
Ibadanland for refusing the car gift.
Speaking further, Chief Akinpelu described governor Ajimobi’s action
as detrimental to the ideal composition and lineage of the Olubadan
chieftaincy hierarchy.
Akinpelu however urged governor Ajimobi to also wade into the
chieftaincy tussle between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III
and the Olooja of Isale Oyo and ensure his installation if he is
sincere with his chieftaincy reform in Oyo state.
“Since our dear Governor is going about review of chieftaincy
arrangement Ibadan; same review should be extended to other towns in
Oyo state especially in Oyo town where Olooja of Isale Oyo ought to
have been installed as Oba because history has it that he used to be
an Oba.”
Also condemning the unfortunate clash between butchers and police at
Bodija market, Chief Akinpelu said that the use of force by the police
on the order of the Governor is condemnable.
“The sad incidence which happened at Bodija market is very
unfortunate. The Governor’s use of force against the butchers is not
ideal and I strongly condemn it in its entirety. I’m calling on all
relevant authorities to fish out the killers of the people at Bodija
market.”