The Aliiwo Ruling House has apologised to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and the Olubadan Advisory Council for the furore generated over the aborted installation of a new mogaji for the ruling house.
The apology was contained in a letter, “Re: Aborted Installation Of New Mogaji Of Aliiwo Ruling House: Apology”, signed by Senator Kola Balogun and dated 25 February, 2025.
A new mogaji for the Aliiwo Ruling House to succeed the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Ali Okunmade II, was supposed to hold on Monday, 10 February, 2025.
However, this was not to be as the Olubadan Advisory Council stepped down the installation of the new mogaji at the 11th hour and after all arrangement have been made ahead of the event.
The decision infuriated the Aliwo Ruling House which made the family to cause a publication which went viral, challenging the decision of the Olubadan-In-Council.
The Olubadan Advisory Council also subsequently caused another publication in which it faulted the process that produced Prince Kamaldeen Adeboye Giwa as the choice of the family as the mogaji, alleging division in the Aliiwo Ruling House.
The ruling house however stated in its letter of apology that it has realised the negative effect its publication had on Oba Olakulehin, declaring that “it was not our intention to cause offence and for that, we apologise unreservedly.”
The Aliiwo Ruling House further stated that the decision to do a publication on the matter was borne out of our anger and frustration at the disappointment of the failed installation.
The ruling house declared therein in the letter: “Re: Aborted Installation Of New Mogaji Of Aliiwo Ruling House: Apology”.
“The above subject matter refers.
“We bring appreciation of the entire members of Aliiwo Family, both at home and in the Diaspora to Your Imperial Majesty and the members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the approval of the choice of Prince Kamaldeen Adeboye Giwa as the new Mogaji of our family.
“It would be recalled that the overwhelming emergence of the Mogaji designate from among three contestants was a function of long processes.
“These included screening through an electoral college composed of two males and one female from each of the 22 sections and a general election by the family members.
“It was this result that led to the presentation of Prince Kamaldeen Adeboye Giwa to the Olubadan Advisory Council as the family’s choice as Mogaji and after all the necessary scrutiny, his candidature was approved.
“Following this approval by the Olubadan Advisory Council and invitation for installation on Monday, 10th February through a letter dated 3rd February 2025 and signed by Balogun A. Kolawole, Clerk to the Olubadan Advisory Council, the Aliiwo Family went ahead to comply with all the palace requirements and also prepared fully for the scheduled installation.
“Members of the family, both from home and abroad in a carnival like stormed the Palace for the installation while cows were already slaughtered in the family house with cooking of various types of food taking place for celebration after the installation.
“Thus, the family members were caught off guard and taken aback when they learned that the scheduled installation had been stepped down after hours of waiting.
“This no doubt led to high level of frustration and anger and following which a publication was caused to be made. The publication was borne out of our anger and frustration at the disappointment of the failed installation.
“Nonetheless, we have come to the realisation of the negative effect that the publication has had on our revered father, his Imperial Majesty Oba Akinloye Owolabi, Ige Olakulehin 1, the Olubadan Advisory Council. It was not our intention to cause offence and for that, we apologise unreservedly.
“As a royal family with a long and robust history of royalty experience and exposure, our family would not ordinarily do or say anything to stain the Ibadan traditional garment of honour as exemplified by our revered father and his esteemed council.
“Long life may Your Majesty reign!
“Kabiyesi o!”
