The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Soliu Adetunji has cleared the air on his absence from the coronation of the 21 newly elevated kings of Ibadan on Sunday, 27th August, 2017 at the ancient Mapo Hall.
The monarch, speaking through his media officer, Mr. Adeola Oloko on a Fresh 105.9 FM program on Tuesday said his absence from the program is due to lack of proper invitation and notification of the program.
According to the monarch, he became aware through the advert of the function on the media, addressing him as the royal father of the day without any letter to that effect.
Speaking contrary to the claim of the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Isiaka Ajimobi that Olubadan was duly consulted before the decision to elevate the chiefs to beaded crown kings, the monarch made it clear that he was notified after the committee set up by the governor has started sitting and almost concluded their assignment and then, there is nothing he could do to avert it.
Okolo said the royal father spotted some abnormalities in the coronation process.
In his words, “One, that coronation and installation of kings in Ibadan tradition is only done on Friday and sometimes, Monday.”
He also stated that a member of the Olubadan -in- council, High Chief Femi Olaifa, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland died few days to the occasion and a minute silence was not observed to honor the Chief who was also supposed to be crowned on that day.
“Another defect of the arrangement as elucidated by Olubadan is that in the chieftaincy arrangement of Ibadanland, the Mogajis are superior to Baales, in fact, the Mogaji selects who will be a Baale. So, making Baale king over Mogaji has negated the tradition of the land.”
Olubadan, however, maintained that there exists a very cordial relationship between himself and the chiefs.
