Ibadan Chieftaincy: Those Abusing Me Now Will Praise Me In Future- Ajimobi
The Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday, said those who opposed his decision to initiate a review of the Ibadan chieftaincy system would praise him for the idea in future.
The governor, who spoke at the opening of the rehabilitated Mobil Junction-Are-Oluyole-Wema Bank, Apata Road, expressed his unhappiness over some of the comments of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, which he said were political.
He said the monarch should place the good and future of Ibadan land ahead of other considerations.
Ajimobi said, “Those who abuse us for crowning Obas now will praise us in the future. Some have politicised the matter.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo was then abused for introducing free education, but he was praised afterwards. I did not do the crowning of Obas for myself.
“Why do I want to hinder others from becoming what they want to be? Whoever God has destined will become whatever he or she is destined to be.
“Moreover, I am not in the race to become an Oba. Many administrations since Governor McGregor have attempted changes to the Olubadan chieftaincy. It was known as Baale in the 1930s before it was known as Olubadan.
“I am not into any battle with the Olubadan, but he should dissociate himself from those with political interests.
“The Olubadan is a good father. I can’t disrespect the Olubadan; but I know there are those using Olubadan’s name to promote their interests, especially those that we have defeated politically.
“Anyone who believes in God is not interested in hindering the progress of anyone. Moreover, this honour is befitting for our kings and this event today looks more glamorous. I am glad.”
He appealed to the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, whom he referred to as “my father”, not to allow some disgruntled elements to pollute his mind and pitch him against government.
According to him, the appeal became necessary following the dust raised by the elevation and installation of high and senior Ibadan high chiefs to Obaship status.
For close to a week now, there have been accusations and counter accusations over the action of the government.
“I hold the Olubadan in high esteem, I respect him, value him and have the necessary regard for the throne. But Olubadan should resist mingling with politicians who want to bring disrepute to the throne.
“We are not bothered by the pockets of resistance to the new change, rather, we are glad that we implemented the content of the White Paper to better the lot of Ibadan and Oyo State in general. I am not interested in whether an individual moves in traditional line or not. I am interested in the development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Ajimobi added.
He, however appealed to the paramount ruler against being swayed by distractive voices which have polluted the sacred throne with politics, noting that he has due regard and respect for the Olubadan as a father, a good man of repute and a royal ambassador of Ibadanland.
