Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan
The flexing of muscles between Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the new kings who were installed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi in August this year keeps assuming dangerous dimension as the latter vowed to boycott the installation of the Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu as Fiwajoye Agbaakin of Ibadanland by the former.
The nine-member-council also said that they would not be present for the chieftaincy installastion and ceremonmy because Oba Adetunji did not inform them as prescribed by the laid down rules and regulations of the traditional council.
Speaking about the implication of their absence, they said that if Olubadan goes ahead to confirm the title on the minister, it shows that the monarch is acting alone.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi presenting staff of office and certificate to Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi
Speaking on behalf of the nine monarchs, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun of Ibadanland, noted, “It is a mere honorific chieftaincy title. On the implication, as far as we are concerned, he is acting alone because we are not invited to the ceremony. We don’t know anything about the installation ceremony and we won’t be there”.
The Director of Media and Public Affairs for the monarch, Mr Adeola Oloko confirmed that the monarch could honour the minister with the title on Friday.
Reacting to the issue of whether the new kings are invited or not, he said, “they are free to come”.
Another member of the Obas-in-Council who preferred anonymity said the minister did not inform any of them and that implies that he does not want the Obas-in-Council to attend the ceremony.