*Alleges plans to hijack process of ascendancy to throne
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
A cultural and non political organization, The IBILE G-7, on Wednesday, warned politicians not to desecrate the Olubadan stool with partisan politics.
The group handed down the warning in a statement jointly signed by the group leader, Lanre Ogundipe, and a staunch member of the group, Mr. Olajide Laniyonu made available to journalists in Ibadan
Rising from its emergency meeting the group maintained that the High Chiefs at the centre of the on-going controversy, should realise that their actions, may disrupt the kingship process as presently constituted, and may affect, how Kingmakers are selected and constituted, in accordance to the tradition of Ibadanland.
The IBILE G-7 cautioned that ” the hurriedly constituted *afobajes* should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who would like to denigrate their persons, with no lofty ideas to impact others, than promotion of selfish interests, which would not augur well for the development and unity of the people of Ibadanland.
” The process of ascendancy to the stool of Olubadan, which has become the envy of other towns in Yorubaland and which is now a case study in countries across the world about monarchies in Africa, may degenerate into absurdity and unnecessary controversy, which could generate disrepute for Ibadanland and it’s people, home and abroad”, it said .
It added, ” The *IBILE G-7* has posited that High Chiefs behind this unwarranted tension being created and which has never happened before in the history of Ibadan land, could be regarded as treachery and a coup against the constituted authority and the smooth arrangement
In the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan’.
Reacting to what it called peddling of falsehood , the group said it considered ” it as inimical to the strong bond among the administrative pillars of the ancient historical town of Ibadan and that the new- age Ibadan indigenes frowns at any situation that would allow some people to create opportunities for themselves to massage personal egos detrimental to the development of Ibadanland”
” The *IBIBLE G-7* has resolved to defend the integrity of the institution of Olubadan as enshrined in Ibadan declaration. In this regard, no individual or group of persons has rights to tamper with or invalidate the provision therein. Henceforth, indigenes would not tolerate further insults on the office of the Olubadan by anyone, no matter how high placed.
‘ We call on Chief Hamidu Ajibade to retract his statement and tender unreserved apology to the Olubadan – designate, Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
The group alleged ‘ Ajibade’s insult on these Ibadan title holders stand condemned in all ramifications. Consequently. all well- meaning Ibadan indigenes should caution and warn him against further speaking or representing the Olubadan – in – Council in any of its activities. He should also be warned to desist from further ridiculing or use of uncouth language, ailen to the royal homes in Ibadanland and deploying such against the high ranking cabinet chiefs”.
The IBILE G-7 said, “Can a highly placed man, throw decency to the wind and pour invenctives on our fathers and yet walk shoulder higher on Ibadan streets? Ajibade’s inordinate ambition and that of his cohorts is repulsive, and he needs to atone for his sins. They cannot be trusted with Ibadan honours with this kind of behavior.
“It has never been this bad, in the history of Obaship in Ibadan and it is high time those who want to expose the ancient town of Ibadan Land, which has remained the political and industrial hub of the South West, to ridicule, to desist from such”
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