We’ll recall that some few days ago, upon prodding by members of the royal Olubadan-in-council in part, and also in tune with a need to elevate the Olubadan stool by the way of expansion, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, submitted its recommendations.

Much to the joy of sons and daughters in the 160 regions of Ibadanland, a highlight of these recommendations is the installation of a panoply of 32 beaded-crown Obas across Ibadanland, while the Olubadan stool is elevated to the level of a ‘Paramount Ruler’ and ‘Imperial Majesty’.

As we join in on these celebrations, Oyolawa deems it fitting to refresh our thoughts with ten (10) major reasons why this review is valid, long overdue and worth celebrating:

1. The review is in line with the modernization agenda of the present government, a postion which is in tandem with modern trends obtainable generally in the traditional and Obaship institution of Southwest Nigeria.

2. The review does not aim at distorting or destroying the age-long succession arrangement pertaining to the Olubadan stool.

3. Rather, this Ajimobi government-led review seeks the elevation the Olubadan to the level of an Imperial Majesty, with royal majesties beneath the imperial stool.

4. The review has legal backing – Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000, states the following:
(a) Section 10 of the Chiefs law gives a discretionary power to the Governor of the state if satisfied that a Declaration is faulty or objectionable, to amend or replace such declaration. That power is exercisable only by the governor without necessarily being in consultation with anybody.

(b) “Section 25(1) gives power to the Governor to set up an enquiry which he may consider necessary or desirable, which includes the power to make, review or amend a declaration.

5. The review has historical traction – Past governments in Oyo state have exercised the right to commission a review of the Declaration.
(a) A 1974 Commission of Enquiry reviewed the Chieftaincy declaration and its recommendations were adopted and changes effected by the then Military Government of Western States.
(b) In I976, there was the Adenekan Ademola Judicial Commission of Enquiry which made recommendations which the then Military government accepted and changes effected in 1981.
(c) Governor Kolapo Ishola set up the Oloko Commission of Enquiry on April 1st 1993 to review the chieftaincy declarations all over the state.
(d) Governor Rasheed Ladoja also set up the Adio Commission of Enquiry whose recommendations never came to fruition.

6. The review has the backing of many stakeholders in Ibadan – Over 100 memorada were submitted and sittings were attended by different groups including the members of Olubadan-in-Coucil, Ibadan Elders Forum, Mogajis, Baales, among others, urging that all parties should let the law take its course and allow peace reign in Ibadanland.

7. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, like other past governors, derived his constitutional powers to commission the review from Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000 stated above.

8. The review is much needed and long overdue because Ibadan, and its over 160 regions, needs it.

9. Ibadanland is big enough to entrench and accommodate a broader traditional base for cultural and communal efficiency.

10. This review seeks expansion and not distortion of the succession of the Olubadan stool. Rather, it seeks ways to make Ibadan have regional Obas to ensure much ease in attaining communal accord and peace, and driving socioeconomic development.

hmm

Celebrate What? Youths are against this.