The Olubadan of Ibadan, Ọba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, has waded into the leadership crisis rocking the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII.
At a meeting held on Monday at the monarch’s palace, the newly appointed Chancellor, Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano state directed the CCII Board of Trustees, BOT, to liaise with past presidents-general for a concrete resolution.
The BOT members, led by Chief Bayo Alugbin, emphasized the importance and thorough interpretation of the CCII constitution, which, he said, is in line with their stand and earlier publication made to the Electoral Committee and concerned parties.
The BOT was said to have expressed their annoyance towards the camp of the candidate for their disrespectful attitude towards elders and authorities.
It also criticized the use of insulting and disrespectful names by members of the team, considering it as unhealthy and unacceptable.
The BOT further highlighted that the accord with some past presidents by one of the candidates cannot break the personal relationships they have with one another.
The BOT advised any aggrieved member with allegations to present them in writing and channel same in line with the CCII constitution instead of embarking on libel and defamation of character.
They also stated that all their actions and resolutions are in line with the CCII constitution and that the council of past presidents-general is not recognized by the constitution, adding their letter does not hold any water.
Speaking on behalf of past presidents-general of CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero explained their efforts towards resolving the crisis and further backed the letter written by his council as a way of finding a resolution.
He further informed the sitting that the Oluyole Social Elite club has sent a letter to recall the Secretary-General of CCII, and the constitution’s interpretation will be taken care of.
During the case presentation of Barr. Ajewole’s camp led by Asiwaju Nuru Akinade and Balogun Ojetola Gafar, they highlighted that a letter to recall Akogun Segun Obe, who doubles as President of Oluyole Social Elite club and the Secretary-General of CCII, has been forwarded to CCII leadership, having failed to resign as coerced by his club. They stated that their reason for his recall is that Akogun Segun Obe is not an indigene of Ibadanland.
Ojetola, corroborating Akinade’s presentation, advised all CCII affiliate clubs to learn from Oluyole Social Elite actions.
The allegation that Obe is not an indigene led to different underground reactions from indigenes of Ibadan present at the meeting on how a non-Ibadan indigene became president of Oluyole Social Elite club and how the club managed to present him to CCII for two consecutive terms.
Oyero was said to have cautioned the underground reactions, and apologies were made by everyone.
In addition to High Chief Lateef Adebimpe’s directive on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade, and Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, the Personal Assistant to Kabiyesi, sued for peace and reiterated that their statement is neither a victory nor a judgment statement. They however charged the CCII BOT and past presidents-general to mediate towards ensuring a peaceful CCII Election as it has always been.
In attendance were Prince Yemisi Adeaga, the current president-general of CCII and his team.
Also present were the Chairman Ibadan Cultural Week, Engr. Sunday Gbenjo, Vice Chairman Mr Jide Iyanda and the Secretary Mr Suleiman Adeola Oloko, who was the personal assistant to immediate Olubadan of Ibadanland, Late Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
Others in attendance were Members of CCII BOT led by Chief Bayo Alugbin, accompanied by Pa Wale Adeoye, Dr O.O Adekola and Chief B.A Oladeji.
