Olubadan-in-Council plans to review chieftaincy titles

Group seeks elevation of Baales to Obas, Olubadan to attain ‘Imperial Majesty’ status

The Olubadan-in-Council has said that there will be a review of the honorary chieftaincy titles conferred either wrongly or rightly after the coming Ramadan fast.

Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, disclosed this yesterday after the maiden meeting of Olubadan-in-Council held at the Alarere residence of the new Olubadan, which was presided over by Oba Balogun.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun Aliwo and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the coronation ceremony of the monarch…yesterday PHOTO: Oyo State Government.<br />

Also, High Chiefs Eddy Oyewole, Abiodun Kola-Daisi and Hamidu Ajibade, who currently hold the positions of Ashipa Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan and Ekarun Olubadan respectively would become Osi Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan and Ekerin Olubadan in that order.

Ajibola noted that the promotion exercise could not be held without the consent of the state governor, which he said, was already being processed and while awaiting the governor’s consent, other lesser promotions down the line to Jagun, which need no governor’s consent, would begin this Friday, other things being equal.

“Appointment of Mogajis and Baales would follow after the completion of all the promotion exercises, which would end with the Iyalode line,” Otun Balogun added.

MEANWHILE, an Ibadan socio-cultural group, known as Maja-Maja Indigenous Group (MMIG), yesterday, urged Makinde to elevate Baales to the position of lesser kings for Olubadan to fully attain the ‘Imperial Majesty’ status.

In a statement by its President, Abdulkabir Akinpelu and Secretary, Aderemi Adebisi, the group, which congratulated Oba Balogun on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland, also appealed to the governor to elevate some Baales to the position of lesser kings under Olubadan and the Ibadan High Chiefs.

The group added that promotion would go a long way in modernising and making the chieftaincy arrangement a unique one.