One of the Ibadan traditional chiefs has congratulated Ibadan High Chiefs over their elevation to Obaship status by ‘Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo.
Billed for July 7, 2023, all Ibadan High Chiefs would be referred to ‘His Royal Majesty,’ following the signing into law of the chieftaincy amendment bill to grant autonomy to the governor to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the state.
It would be recalled that the Oyo State House of Assembly had, before then, passed it in law.
It was further gathered that the governor’s approval was sequel to the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who is the prescribed and consenting authority.
Chief Sakiru Molade, who spoke in a statement, said there was no better time such reform could have been brought forward than now, adding that the merits outweigh the demerits.
According to him, “Every Ibadan sons and daughters should support Governor Seyi Makinde in his bid to reform this law. It is long overdue and there is no better time. When done, it would afford Ibadan the opportunity of quality administration. Ibadan is too big. Olubadan needs equally capable hands to administer the city. Cities that are not as big as ours have reformed their chiefs law.
“For me, Governor Seyi Makinde is in order and we must deploy every legal means to support him so as to be able to achieve this once and for all.
“Apart from that, it will make Ibadan to be more respected and accord Olubadan his deserved position in the comity of Obas in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. It is not an attempt to degrade the tradition and our culture,” he added.
