Ajimobi backs down on threat to sanction Olubadan over elevation of chiefs

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi 

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Tuesday backed down on his threat to sanction the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, over moves to elevate nine chiefs without his final approval.


Ajimobi backed down after a protracted meeting with some of those involved, which was brokered by members of the Ibadan Elders Forum.


Rather than sanction those involved in the process of elevating the chiefs, some of who are regarded as his political enemies, Ajimobi recognised their promotion.


Ajimobi had on Monday disagreed with the Olubadan-in-Council, which is headed by Oba Odulana, for conducting the elevation exercise without presenting the High Chiefs’ medical certificates of fitness.


He said he would sanction those involved in the elevation process if they failed to back down within 48 hours.


Among the High Chiefs elevated by Odulana were Senator Lekan Balogun and a former Governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja.


The reconciliation meeting was held at the residence of the Chairman of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Saanu.


It was attended by Dr. Lekan Are, High Chief Adebayo Akande, High Chief Ashipa Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole, Prof Femi Land (Olubadan’s son) and Balogun (the Osun Olubadan) among others.


Ajimobi at the end of the meeting said the matter had been resolved and that the elevated High Chiefs could retain their present status while the papers would be perfected to reflect due process.


He said: “We should thank God for the elders.


“Our elders are committed to peace in Ibadanland and our king has shown that he is a good monarch.


“He contributed to my success as governor.


“In this case, brothers are fighting and elders have intervened.


“There is no cause for further misunderstanding.


“We will perfect the papers because the issue has been resolved by men of impeccable character.


“Due process will now take place.


“Sometimes, we get married before perfecting marriage ceremony.”

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