Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has clarified that there is no discord regarding the succession to the Olubadan of Ibadanland throne, contrary to widespread speculation.
Makinde made this assertion while receiving his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and other Muslim faithful at his Ikolaba residence for Eid-el-Fitr homage on Wednesday in Ibadan.
TheLeadng reports that the nomination of the next Olubadan has been embroiled in controversy since the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 15. The Obas-in-council meeting, to be chaired by Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, is scheduled for Thursday, where the nomination of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is expected to be ratified.
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This meeting follows a peace gathering initiated by some Ibadan elders, during which Ladoja pledged to withdraw the court case against the elevation of his fellow high chiefs to obaship status.
A new development arose on Tuesday when the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, questioned the medical fitness of Olakulehin to ascend the throne.
Governor Makinde cautioned against actions that sow division among the state and its people, urging focus on endeavors that foster unity. While acknowledging that the Ibadan Obas-in-Council is yet to finalize the nomination of the next Olubadan, he emphasized his role in approving the eventual nomination.
He said, “When they eventually make their nomination, they will come to me and I will either say ‘Yes’ or ‘No”.
Makinde encouraged the populace to actively participate in the forthcoming local government election on April 27, assuring that the results would reflect their aspirations. He also urged Muslims to integrate the lessons of Ramadan into their daily lives.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Lawal, leading the state government’s delegation to the Eid prayer ground at Agodi, appealed to all Muslim faithful to uphold the peaceful coexistence prevailing in the state.
Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, emphasized the importance of maintaining virtuous conduct beyond Ramadan and urged residents to support the government through prayers for the progress of the state and the nation as a whole.
