The Olubadan Advisory Council has announced the suspension of conferment of honourary chieftaincy titles till further notice “in view of the prevailing circumstances in the country”.
The Council arrived at the decision at a meeting presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
Members of the Olubadan Advisory Council are High Chiefs Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland); Lateef Adebimpe (Osi Balogun); Kola Adegbola (Ashipa Balogun); Eddy Oyewole (Osi Olubadan); and Hamidu Ajibade (Ekerin Olubadan).
As stated in a release by the Personal Assistant (Media) of the Olubadan, the matter of conferment of chieftaincy titles on some deserving Nigerians was thoroughly debated at the meeting before it was decided that such idea should be put on hold for now.
The Olubadan Advisory Council was said to have commended the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadanland for bringing up such matter for discussion, not minding the fact that he has the prerogative power over such issue.
The Olubadan Advisory Council stated that the ancient metropolis would continue to honour the age-long recognition of eminent personalities across the country, who have identified with Ibadan in particular and Yorubaland in general.
It added that such honour would be conferred on the deserving beneficiaries, irrespective of their religion, politics, creed or race.
“The position of the Olubadan Advisory Council supercedes any other contrary information that might have been in the public domain,” Ogunsola stated in the release.
It would be recalled that the Olubadan, last June, conferred chieftaincy titles on the governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulhai Umar Ganduje and his wife, Professor Hajiya Ganduje.
The governor was so honoured, based on his contributions to the development of Ibadanland, especially the construction of a gigantic building for the University of Ibadan and his fatherly role to Yoruba living in Kano.