Ibadan stakeholders warn Alaafin of Oyo against undermining Olubadan stool

The Mogajis in Ibadanland, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), monarchs, Baales, the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), and other prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against taking Ibadan for granted.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the stakeholders emphasised that the people of Ibadan would not tolerate any action capable of diminishing the status of the Olubadan stool or undermining the Ibadan traditional system.

The warning followed concerns over a sitting arrangement involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo at a recent security meeting in Ibadan.

Signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of ICPI, Mogaji Dr Nurudeen Akinade, the statement insisted that Ibadanland should not be regarded as subordinate to Oyo or any other town in Yorubaland.

The group highlighted Ibadan’s longstanding commitment to maintaining its dignity and standing within Yoruba tradition and called on leaders across Yorubaland to engage the Alaafin on the matter. They also stressed that the peaceful disposition of the people of Ibadan should not be misinterpreted.

The stakeholders further noted that the issue surrounding the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had been resolved and should not be revisited.

Highlighting the Olubadan’s distinguished background as a former senator, governor, and accomplished businessman, the statement underlined that the stool and its occupant must continue to be accorded due respect.

“Ibadan will never be a slave to anyone. Ibadanland has always maintained its dignity in Yoruba tradition, and this will not change,” the statement read, concluding with the Yoruba adage: “Ibadan mesi, won o go” – “Ibadan has spoken; we won’t go back.”