Few hours after a peace meeting initiated by Ibadan elders ended peacefully, with Senator Rashidi Ladoja promising to withdraw a case against the elevation of his fellow high chiefs to Obaship status in court, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, Tajudeen Ajibola has declared that his immediate senior in the military line of the Olubadan system, Oba Abimbola Owolabi Olakulehin is not fit to become monarch.
Ajibola, while addressing newsmen at a press conference at his Ibadan home on Tuesday, said that the Olubadan-designate be given time to recuperate before he is pronounced.
This was as the 80-year-old monarch said that the seat should remain vacant for now, noting that Olakulehin cannot be appointed currently because he was not medically fit and this is a major requirement for appointment.
“Before Olubadan can be elected, certain conditions must be fulfilled. It’s not just about being the most senior. You must not have been in prison for more than six months. You must be medically fit. You must not be blind and you must be able to recognise people and move around. Even if the kingmakers recommend you, the Governor can reject it based on any of these conditions.
“Our contention is based on all these. Can he perform? If he can perform, then yes. Nobody is in rivalry with him. Health-wise, he’s not fit for now. He can’t recognise anyone. When he’s well, we will enthrone him.
“He is being forced. They know he is not well. I wish he can talk himself and say this is what I want. The rule says he must be able to recognise and speak to his people.
“He needs to recover. It’s obvious he’s not well enough. He won’t be enthroned in the room. He needs to go to Mapo and all of that. Some people are not thinking of Ibadan’s interest. They are only thinking of their own interest,” he added.
Speaking on the time limit for the nomination of a new Olubadan, the Ibadan chief noted that it was a matter of interpretation.
“There is no law that places any consequence if we don’t announce a new person within 21 days. The Governor is the custodian of law. There are traditions we have to follow. If he’s not feeling fine, how can we do that? Ibadan people have not even been able to see him. During Oba Lekan Balogun’s time, we all saw him,” Ajibola said.
