Cross section of Ibadan new Obas with the Governor and his wife, Florence during their coronation

Chief  Mukaila Balogun, the Osi-Balogun Afijagba in Oyo State, says the recent elevation and crowning of 21 high chiefs and baales as kings will  boost the status  of the Olubadan stool.

Balogun  told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that  the development  would  not desecrate the Olubadan stool as some people believe  but  enhance its  status.

“The elevation should be a thing of joy for all Ibadan indigenes because we have been yawning for long for the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

“In the past, three governors had  tried to carry out the review but could not succeed and history has been made as regards  successful review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy System that paved way for the installation of 21 new kings in Ibadan land.

“All these kings are under His Imperial Majesty, Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, so there is nothing like relegation in the position of Olubadan.

“Even those who opposed the elevation of the 21 high chiefs and baales knew that government action was in order but were politicising the issue,’’ he said.

Balogun implored those opposed to the elevation  to have a rethink and support Gov.  Abiola Ajumobi in bringing rapid development to Ibadan land.

NAN recalls that 21 high chiefs and baales in Ibadan were elevated to kingship status by the Oyo State Government following  the recommendations of a committee set up  to review 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The kings received their instrument of office after coronation on Aug.  27  inspite of  strong opposition by  the Olubadan  and one of the high chiefs, Rashidi Ladoja,  who was the governor of the state between 2003 and 2007.