From DELE OGUNYEMI, Ibadan
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has lauded Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi on the successful coronation of 21 new monarchs in Ibadanland at the weekend following the adoption of the recommendations made by the retired Justice Boade-led Panel of Enquiry set up by the state government to review the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law of 1957.
A mammoth crowd of eminent personalities, religious leaders, traditional institution heads and well-wishers were at Mapo Hall, Ibadan venue of the colourful ceremony during which most members of the Olubadan-in-Council were on hand to honor their elevation to Obas’ status as this saw them and some deserving Baales across Ibadanland receive beaded crowns as well as staffs of office in accordance with the enabling law and Yoruba tradition.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare, the governing Party applauded the state governor “over his unquenchable passion for recording unprecedented feats in the overall interest of the general populace as evident in his six years of good governance in the Pacesetter State.
The statement read in part: “A critical appraisal of the development would leave no one in doubt of the fact that Senator Ajimobi prioritized the rapid development of Ibadanland, and Oyo State in general, as he is determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest to put his people on the same pedestal with the developed societies across the globe. Therefore, we appeal with those who might be aggrieved with the development to take a second look at their position or, better still, seek audience with the state government for further clarification.
“We are fascinated by the words of Sen. Ajimobi at the coronation ceremony when he was quoted thus; we are not changing history, we are not changing tradition, we are not changing the culture of Ibadanland; rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution, the exalted position of the Olubadan of Ibadan as the Imperial Majesty in Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council and the Chieftaincy Institution without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.”
“Once again, the world has been made to see that it is far better to have an actualizer for a governor than a mere dreamer who would always love to rock the boat as his successors perform better in office. On this note, we appeal to some individuals with political interest to desist from giving the issue which bothers more on governance and progress of the society another coloration with a view to instigating unsuspecting people against the government and thus create unnecessary tension in the land ahead of the 2019 general election,” Sadare added.