The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, has described the presentation of staff of office to ten Ibadan high chiefs elevated to the status of Obas as a great achievement for the state government and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba, Lekan Mahood Balogun.
Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde recently signed into law the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill, which grants him autonomy to present beaded crowns and coronets to Olubadan-in-council in the state.
The Chairmen said what the governor did was long overdue, adding that the entire Oyo state would forever be grateful.
The coronation and staff of office had made the Olubadan traditional advisory councils cease to be addressed as High Chiefs but Obas, following their elevation and now wearing beaded crowns.
Oyo ALGON, in a statement signed by the chairman Hon. Sikiru Sanda and Publicity Secretary, Hon. Shuaib Oladayo, on Friday, said that the initiative was borne out of a strong sense of patriotism and resolve to elevate, uplift, transform, and reposition the chieftaincy institution of Ibadanland.
Oyo ALGON said governor Makinde has written his name in gold on the history book as the coming generations will live to the good effort of the governor made for the development of the Ibadan traditional council.
“We agreed with His Excellency that there is a need to change history but not change tradition. Governor Makinde is not changing the culture of Ibadan land. He has elevated the Olubadan-in-Council without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.
“What Governor Makinde had done at Mapo today was borne out of his administration burning desire to redress the lopsidedness in the number of beaded crown obas in Ibadanland vis-à-vis other zones in the state.
“This epoch-making event in the annals of the history of Ibadanland is a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the enhancement of dignity and honor of the chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
“As we are commending our governor for his braveness and achievement, we also rejoice with our father, Imperial Majesty, Oba Mahood Lekan for his understanding and unquantifiable support throughout the process, Kabiesi has always thrown his weight around the development of tradition and culture of Obadan,” the statement said.
Oyo ALGON thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his continuous acceding to modern development aimed at putting Ibadan on strong footing in the traditional institution of Yoruba land.
Out of 11 High Chiefs, ten new Obas present to receive staff of office at the event are: Owolabi Olakulehin; Tajudeen Ajibola; Eddy Oyewole; Lateef Adebimpe; Biodun Kola-Daisi; Kola Adegbola; Hamidu Ajibade; Olubunmi Isioye; Bayo Akande and Abiodun Azeez while Ladoja was absent.
