Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has said agitation for the removal of the suspended Onido of Ido, Oba Muritala Gbolagade Babalola, is uncalled for.
Oba Balogun made the declaration at the meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council (OAC), held at his Alarere residence today and presided over by him.
As contained in a release by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, the meeting had in attendance all the members of the Council, except the Balogun of Ibadanland and Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and Oba Bayo Akande, respectively.
The stance of the foremost Ibadan traditional ruler came as a reprieve for the Onido who was suspended by the Oyo State government on 1 February, 2024 over his alleged involvement in illegal mining in his community.
The suspension of Oba Babalola as the Onido has led to a strident call for his removal and reinstatement of Oba Benjamin Ademola Isola Orobiyi II who was deposed in 2011 as the Onido by the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Olubadan, as stated in the release, was quoted to have said that the matter as regards the Onido Stool should be left as it is.
The traditional ruler was reported to have declared, a couple of days ago, that there is no vacancy, as far as the Onido Stool is concerned.
The position of the traditional ruler was also corroborated at the meeting Olubadan Advisory Council, as enunciated by Chief Lateef Alade, the Personal Assistant (Chieftaincy Matter) to the Olubadan.
Explaining further, Chief Alade said the decision by the Olubadan was the best in the present circumstance, just as he acknowledged receipt of a letter of apology written by, Benjamin Ademola Isola, to the Olubadan.
The deposed Onido had written to seek for pardon and reinstatement as Onido, a move said to be predicated on the travails of the suspended Oba Babalola.
“The Ido matter is not that simplistic. For the avoidance of doubt, the current Onido is the third and all of them are still alive.
“In fact, one of them, the person that succeeded Chief Isola and the predecessor of Oba Babalola, is presently in court over the same stool.
“So, it is something that needs caution and that is why the decision by Olubadan must be applauded,” Chief Alade stated in the release.
