14th July, 2011
The leading traditional ruler in Oyo state, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was absent today at the first meeting of the chiefs in the state, after the amendment to the council law, that denied the Alaafin of perpetual headship of the council.
His absence was not the only problem with the council as the new chairman, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 was engaged in an altercation with the Onipetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oyediran, over the presence of newsmen at the meeting.
The crisis started around 11:30am when Oba Oyediran briskly walked into the meeting and asked the Olubadan to order the pressmen to order the pressmen out, so that the meeting could hold.
The Olubadan replied that the journalists were there at his invitation, as wanted them to witness the first meeting after the state government amended the law guiding the monarchs, stressing that there was nothing secretive in the meeting to be held.
Oba Oyediran’s insistence that the press should go angered the Olubadan, who in turn ordered Oba Oyediran to leave the meeting, if not pleased with his decision.
Oba Oyediran retorted that he would not submit himself to autocratic rules in the council of Obas and chiefs, telling Olubadan, “This is not Ibadan council meeting that you can do what you like. This is a meeting of obas and chiefs in Oyo State.
The Olubadan retorted by describing Oba Oyediran as an agent of disunity.
An Ibadan high chief , Chief Lekan Balogun, who witnessed the drama said that Ibadan people would not fold their arms watching an inferior monarch being rude to the Olubadan. He said Oba Oyediran was not only rude but did not behave like a true Yoruba son.
“How could you talk to Olubadan like that. Age wise, he is older than you and position wise, he is your superior. Your behaviour is unacceptable”, Balogun stated.
He pointed out that he had a good point but his presentation was wrong.
Otun of Ibadanland, Chief Kuye Omowale
Also condemned Oba Oyediran for being uncultured.
“Why is Oba Oyediran talking as if he wanted to fight. Kabiyesi, allow the press to go out and after the meeting, we will call them and brief them”.
Olubadan had earlier thanked God for making it possible that the wrongs in the council were corrected. He lauded Governor Abiola Ajimobi for having the political will to implement the amendment done to the laws guiding the monarchs in the state.
According to the new law, the council chairmanship will now be by rotation.
“Today I am the chairman of the traditional council of Oba and chiefs and I will be there for two years. After me, Soun of Ogbomosho will come and and Alaafin will take over from Soun. Alaafin is free to attend the meeting if he so desires.
Many kings and chiefs in the state were absent at the meeting which lasted less than one hour.
—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan