Ibadan Chieftaincy System will Remain Solid for Next 50 Years, Gov Makinde Vows

KemiOlaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘SeyiMakinde, yesterday, said the Ibadan traditional institution would continue to remain solid as a result of his administration’s bold decision to address the challenges that surrounded the system when he took office in 2019.

This was as he also noted that he utilised the opportunity of the crisis faced by the institution to strengthen and bring unity back to it.

Makinde, who stated this during a visit to the home of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba AkinloyeOwolabiOlakulehin, to condole with the family, said there was no longer a question about the unity and strength of the Ibadan Chieftaincy System.

He appreciated the traditional institution and all Ibadan indigenes for their support and cooperation during the period that the change occurred.

“I am here to officially condole with the family. A lot of people may not know how close I was to the late Kabiyesi. When I came into government in 2019, I encountered a crisis in the Ibadan traditional institution and I called everybody and said the crisis would be a temporary thing.

“The Sunday after that meeting, I met Kabiyesi in church at Aremo, and he said, ‘Governor, you stopped us from putting on our crowns’, and I responded, saying ‘It is for good.’

“I added that we would not shy away from facing our challenges; that we would sort it out and make Ibadan traditional institution stronger than we met it.

“I am glad that not only did I return the crown to Baba, he got to the level of becoming Olubadan before he joined his ancestors.

“I am equally glad that we utilised that opportunity to strengthen the Ibadan traditional institution to bring unity back to it. Today, there is no question about the unity and strength of that institution,” he said.