Ibadan Oba-in-Council to boycott conferment of tradition title on communication minister

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

The nine-member Ibadan Oba-in-council said they would not be present for the installation of the Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu as a honorary title holder in Ibadanland.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is scheduled to confer honorary chieftaincy title on Shittu on Friday.

Members of the Ibadan Oba-in-council said they would not attend the installation because the Olubadan did not inform them as prescribed by the laid down rules and regulations of the traditional council.

On the implication of their absence, they said that if Olubadan goes ahead to confirm the title on the minister, it shows that the monarch is acting alone.

Speaking on behalf of the nine monarchs, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun of Ibadanland, said: “It is a mere honorary chieftaincy title. On the implication, as far as we are concerned, he is acting alone because we are not invited to the ceremony. We don’t know anything about the installation ceremony and we won’t be there”.

The Director of Media and Public Affairs for Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko confirmed that the monarch would honour the minister with the title on Friday.

On whether the new kings can attend the ceremony or not, he said, “they are free to come”.

Another member of the Obas-in-Council who preferred anonymity said the minister did not inform any of them and that implies that he does not want the Obas-in-Council to attend the ceremony.