How 10 High Chiefs Became Kings in Ibadan – Olubadan Explains

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has expressed his joy and support for the coronation of his high chiefs as beaded crown-wearing obas. He said the historic event would not affect the traditional system of succession to the Olubadan throne in any way.

The monarch explained that history is sometimes subject to reconstruction to make it more enduring and sustainable, noting that the traditional setup in Ibadan has always evolved, responding to the dynamics of demand and change.

He added that the elevation of the chiefs is an idea that has been long overdue despite the opposition against it in some quarters because it has some merits and is worthy of embrace.

Oba Balogun made these remarks on Friday at the Mapo hall in Ibadan during his address at the coronation ceremony of members of his Olubadan-in-Council as beaded crown-wearing Obas.

Speaking through a former Head of Service of the State, Tajudeen Aremu, the Olubadan said the crowning and coronation ceremony would not alter the uniqueness of the Ibadan Traditional System in any way.

He said: “We are here to reconstruct history because what we are doing today, as historical as it is, could not be said to be novel, but history has to be reconstructed to make it enduring and sustainable and hopefully, it shall be.

“We have a unique system in our traditional setup in Ibadan which continues to evolve, responding to the dynamics of demand as occasions may dictate and this has been confirming the age-long aphorism that the only thing permanent in life is change.

“In our responses to the changes over the years, there had always been issues on forging consensus as arguments for and against always ensue which makes the ongoing controversy on today’s event a welcome one being our familiar pattern and style in Ibadan.

“In short, whatever we are today in Ibadan as far as our traditional system is concerned are products of periodic changes we have passed through and there is no shying away from making this our own contribution to the system with the conviction that posterity will record us rightly.

“Just like the previous exercise generated controversy, our gathering here today has not been spared as well with arguments for its propriety or otherwise. The fact that the issue refused to die despite the controversy that trailed it up to the point of my coronation last year means it is an idea that has some merits in it which is worthy of embrace.”

He added: “Another notable observation worthy of public clarification has to do with the fear of the stool of Olubadan losing respect, honour and prestige because of the elevation of the High Chiefs to Beaded Crown-Wearing Obas as Royal Majesties. I don’t think it can happen or I don’t see it happening because the stool of Olubadan is a sacred one that nobody dares desecrate for whatever reason or purpose.

“What’s more, today’s High Chiefs are tomorrow’s Olubadans and the law of what you sow, you will reap or the admonition of our forefathers that when you want to go and bury your senior brother nakedly, take along your younger brother (Eni to ba fe lo sin egbon e ni ihoho, ko ranti mu aburo re lowo) should remain our guide.”

Meanwhile, the former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja who is the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland was conspicuously absent on Friday when ten high chiefs of the Olubadan-in-council were crowned as kings.

The event took place at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, and had in attendance a multitude of esteemed dignitaries, including traditional rulers from neighboring towns and states across the Southwest region.

The High Chiefs are Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan; Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.

It would be recalled that Ladoja had previously rejected the recent elevation of himself and some other chiefs to beaded crown oba by Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to Ladoja, he is not interested in any other crown apart from the Olubadan crown.

However, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has said he was not the one who presented crowns to the ten newly coronated High Chiefs of the Olubadan-in-Council but the Olubadan himself, Oba Lekan Balogun.

The Governor also urged the new kings to use their positions to promote peace and development in Ibadan and the state at large.

He said: “I am here today as a guest of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. I am not the one who presented the crowns to the new obas. It was the Olubadan himself who did that. I am only here to present the instrument of office to them.

“I know that some people may not be happy with this development. They may even want to go to court to challenge it. But I want to tell them that they will not succeed. This is because this is what the Olubadan wants and he has the right to do so.

“I was once against the crowning of some obas in Ibadan but I have changed my mind. I have seen the wisdom and the benefits of having more obas in Ibadan.

“It will enhance the prestige and dignity of the Olubadan stool and it will also bring more development and harmony to the city and the state.

“I urge the new obas to use their positions to promote peace and development in Ibadan and the state at large. They should work together with the Olubadan and support his vision for the progress of Ibadanland. They should also be loyal and respectful to him as their father and leader.”

The Governor also commended the Olubadan for his courage and foresight in elevating his high chiefs to obas, saying that he has made history and created a legacy that will last for generations.

He said: “I want to congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, for making history today. He has shown courage and foresight in elevating his high chiefs to obas. He has created a legacy that will last for generations.

“He has also shown that he is a progressive and visionary leader who is not afraid of change and innovation. He has demonstrated that he loves his people and wants the best for them. He has done what no other Olubadan has done before and he deserves our respect and admiration.”

 The Governor also thanked all the dignitaries who graced the occasion, especially the traditional rulers from other towns and states who came to witness and celebrate with the new obas.

He said: “I want to thank all our distinguished guests who are here today, especially our royal fathers from other towns and states who have come to witness and celebrate with us. Your presence here today is a sign of your solidarity and friendship with Ibadanland and Oyo State.

“We appreciate your support and we hope that you will continue to partner with us in fostering peace and development in our region and our country. We are one people with one destiny and we must work together to achieve our common goals.”

The Governor also appealed to all residents of Ibadan and Oyo State to embrace the new obas and accord them due respect and honour as they are now part of the royal family of Ibadanland.

He said: “I appeal to all our people in Ibadan and Oyo State to embrace the new obas and accord them due respect and honour as they are now part of the royal family of Ibadanland.

“They are our fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbours. They are not strangers or enemies.

“They are here to serve us and help us in advancing the cause of Ibadanland and Oyo State. They are here to complement and support the Olubadan in his leadership role. They are here to bring more glory and honour to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

“Let us therefore welcome them with open arms and hearts. Let us cooperate with them and give them our support. Let us celebrate them as our own.

“Let us pray for them that God will bless them with wisdom, health, long life, peace, joy, prosperity, success, happiness, favour, grace, mercy, protection, guidance, direction, love, unity, harmony, progress, development, growth, expansion, transformation, elevation, promotion, empowerment, enlargement, increase, multiplication, abundance, overflow, breakthroughs, miracles, signs and wonders.

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