Apply Wisdom To Appoint New Olubadan, Group Urges Makinde
A group, the Ibadan Youth Solidarity Movement (IYSM), has urged the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, to apply utmost wisdom in appointing and installing the new Olubadan of Ibadan to avoid major crisis in the state.
The group gave the admonition in a statement by its coordinator, Bolaji Olatunji, urging the governor not to allow a lacuna in the occupation of the stool.
The group also advised Governor Makinde to allow tradition take its course by assisting the coronation of the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, as the new Olubadan.
Olatunji, in the statement, said “youths in the state have watched with dismay the resistance to the natural process of Olubadan succession, which has been in existence for centuries, by some elements who are hiding under legal shadows.
He said the next in line of succession is clearly the Otun Olubadan, Senator Balogun and urged Governor Makinde not delay any further on the process of installing him as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Without going into legal jingoism, His Excellency would recall that he amicably nullified the law in contention, enacted by his predecessor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, when truce was called upon His Excellency’s assumption in office.
“We would like to point out to His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, that, barring any other court ruling, the settlement reached and nullification stands.
“The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Lekan Balogun, is next in line to succeed His Royal Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, who has joined his ancestors.
“The governor can already see the massive support the Otun Olubadan is receiving with many chiefs and other leading traditional rulers, religious leaders and leaders of thoughts endorsing him.
“We the Ibadan Youth Solidarity Movement hereby appeal to His Excellency to give deep consideration to this matter and allow a smooth succession of the stool of the Olubadan of Ibadan by affirming Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
“After all the insecurity our state was plunged into last week and His Excellency’s diligence and diplomatic resolve of a near crisis, we have utmost confidence that he will apply same wisdom and not allow himself to be dragged by detractors pretending to be protecting the law.”
