The Olubadan-in-Council has declared the planned installation of an Iyalode of Oyo State by a group of individuals as illegal and contrary to traditional and legal practices.
The council issued this warning during its meeting on Monday, presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin, at the Olubadan palace in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement released by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the council emphasized that the title of Iyalode is not one to be randomly conferred by unauthorized groups, stating that such acts violate the State Chiefs Law 2000 and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The statement read: “Information brought to the attention of the Olubadan-in-Council has it that some unscrupulous elements among market leaders in the ancient city have perfected plans to install the Iyalode of Oyo State. Iyalode is a traditional title, not a toy in the hands of any group of people.”
The Olubadan further clarified that the Iyalode title is peculiar to each town and remains under the exclusive authority of the traditional ruler of the land. “Are they saying that the Iyalode of Ibadanland, High Chief (Mrs) Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi, who waited for 42 years to become the Iyalode, should now answer to someone handpicked from the streets by a faceless group?” the council queried.
The monarch also directed the immediate suspension of any chieftaincy installation planned for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. “We call on the security agencies in the state to arrest and apprehend the sponsors and beneficiaries of this illegal act. For peace to reign, no group should proceed with any unauthorized chieftaincy installation,” the statement added.
The Olubadan-in-Council also expressed concern over the increasing number of unauthorized chieftaincy titles among traders, warning that only titles conferred with the knowledge and approval of the Olubadan Palace would be recognized.
“The council frowns at the proliferation of chieftaincy titles among traders in the city. Only those installed with the knowledge of the Olubadan Palace will be given proper recognition,” the statement emphasized.
Following the meeting, the Olubadan installed some Mogajis and Baales, urging them to avoid land grabbing and other forms of misconduct. The session, which lasted two hours, was attended by notable council members, including former Oyo State governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja; Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola; and Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Kolawole Adegbola.
The council also appealed to market leaders to maintain harmony and ensure that political disagreements do not disrupt trading activities in Ibadan.
