There seems to be an end in sight in the crisis generated by the recent crowning of the Ibadan high chiefs and elevation of some Baales to the status of Obas. The state government had constituted a commission to review the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and the commission recommended 32 crowns for Ibadan.
The review led to the installation of 21 new kings in Ibadan on August 27 in which Governor Abiola Ajimobi presented certificates and staff of office to eight former Ibadan high chiefs and 13 Baales. The development triggered a face-off between Governor Abiola and the Olubadan, who was opposed to the crowning of new Obas. But the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akande had waded into the crisis.
The monarch expressed the optimism in an interview with newsmen shortly after leading the traditional council of Iwoland to a meeting with Governor Ajimobi in Ibadan.
Judging from his earlier meeting with the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on the matter, the first-class monarch said that he was confident that a rapprochement would soon be made on the issue.
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The Oluwo said that his visit to Ajimobi was aimed at finding an amicable solution to the dispute between the governor and Oba Adetunji. Oba Akanbi, who did not disclose the details of his discussions with Ajimobi and the Olubadan, however, expressed optimism that the end to the crisis was in sight.
“I have met with Baba, the Olubadan, and we even spoke last night. I am here to speak with the governor because Iwo is the closest town to Ibadan. Being the closest first-class monarch to the Olubadan, anything that happens to Ibadan is of interest to Iwo.
“We are here in continuation of our efforts at finding a solution to the crisis. I am not going tell you the details of our discussions, but I can assure you that the traditional stool has been highly respected by the governor. He has shown so much respect to the Olubadan,” he said.
Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan.
