By JUMI RHODES
The last-minute intervention of the Ibadan Elders Forum (IEF) has seen to the end of a simmering crisis between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, over the promotion of 9 Ibadan high chiefs. Recall Ajimobi had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Olubadan-in-Council {to reverse the promotion} that the promotion was in defiance to the government’s order to allow the chiefs go through security and medical examinations as stipulated by the Chieftaincy Law.
The “intervention” meeting held at the Agodi GRA residence of the IEF President, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, started at 6.34pm, and Ajimobi was at the meeting which lasted for about 1 hour. The meeting was attended by elders, and many Ibadan high chiefs but the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, was not in attendance as he was out of the state.
The elders in attendance include: Former Prelate of Methodist Church, Most Revd Sunday Ola Makinde; former Head of Service of the Federation Prof Oladapo Afolabi; former President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero; former Commissioner for Information in Old Oyo State Chief Adegboyega Arulogun; CCII President Chief Wole Akinwande; renowned industrialist Chief Bode Amoo; Chief Kola Daisi, Dr Lekan Are and Olubadan’s first son, Prince Femi Lana.
After the meeting, Ambassador Olusola Saanu told newsmen that: “We thank God for using the good elders of this land to resolve this issue peacefully in one accord. We have been having this meeting since 10am and immediately we summoned the governor, he answered us. After we have had a meeting with the governor in the morning, we later invited the affected chiefs to present their grievances to the governor themselves. It was only a misunderstanding and the matter has been resolved amicably. We are grateful to the governor and we promise that the chiefs will follow the regulations for their promotion.”
Meanwhile Ajimobi in his remarks said: “We thank God for the elders. Our elders are committed to peace in Ibadanland and our king has shown that he is a good monarch. He contributed to my success as governor. In this case, brothers are fighting and elders have intervened. There is no cause for further misunderstanding. We will perfect the papers because the issue has been resolved by men of impeccable character. Due process will now take place. Sometimes, you get married before perfecting the ceremony. The Ibadan chiefs have agreed to follow the due process and I have also given them provisional approval to retain their position. ”
