Obas and people of Ikale in Ondo State have decried what they described as non-representation at the coronation, last Friday, of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Ikale obas and people expressed their grievances and concerns over the neglect in a press statement, on Sunday, by the Erelu Oodua, Tinuade Mabel Onaneye.
The Erelu Oodua stated this while speaking with Newscoven.com in a telephone interview from her base in the US, on Sunday.
She congratulated the new Olubadan, Oba Ladoja, on his ascension to the throne and presentation of Staff and Instrument of Office by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
Congratulating the Olubadan, Erelu Oodua Onaneye said: “With all due respect, Kabiyesi, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your ascension to the throne.
“Kabiyesi, your installation as the 44th Olubadan is not only a blessing to Ibadan, but also a source of pride to the entire Yoruba Nation.
“As I have often said, and as you have also corroborated, any ọmọ Yoruba Kootu Ojiire who does not have a home in Ibadan is not yet fulfilled —for Ibadan is indeed the heartbeat of the Yoruba race.”
She however raised an observation, and with a keen concern, that the people of Ikale in Ondo State and their obas were not represented at the historic coronation ceremony
“Kabiyesi, with all sense of humility, could this have been an oversight, or perhaps a matter of non-recognition of the people of Ikale or their obas?
“From my US base here, I watched, via the YouTube, the colourful coronation of the new Olubadan. I saw the galaxy of eminent people, and prominent Yoruba traditional rulers gathered at the historic Mapo Hall for the event.
“However, Ikale obas were conspicuously absent. It is of great concern that none of the obas from Ikale was present at the coronation ceremony, apart from the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Akinruntan, who is your well-known friend.
“As the Erelu Oodua, I, Tinuade Mabel Onaneye, humbly advise that this glaring oversight be addressed accordingly.
“Kabiyesi, it is never too late to correct this anomaly. You can do a post-coronation ceremony and duly invite the people of Ikale, as represented by their obas, to the event.
“Kabiyesi, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, you are a traditional ruler who is genuinely interested in promoting friendship and unity among the people.
“As you often say, Yoruba are one, and unity is our strength. Promoting inclusivity among all Yoruba sons and daughters will only strengthen our values culture, heritage and ensure lasting harmony among the Yoruba race.
“Kabiyesi, long may you reign on the throne of your forefathers. May your reign be peaceful, and filled with wisdom that unites Yorubaland in progress and prosperity,” Erelu Oodua Onaneye added.
