Olubadan, new monarchs bicker over dropping of crowns

Buhari, Makinde Adetunji, Sanwo-OluAjimobi mourn Lekan Are

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and new monarchs coronated by Ajimobi government have disagreed over the status of the new monarchs.While the Olubadan in a statement claimed that “the three-year- old crisis that rocked Ibadan chieftaincy system has gone with the wind, adding that the people should rejoice in the Lord,” the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, said the condition of dropping the crowns and coronets is not negotiable, declaring that only law would stop them from wearing crown, not the Olubadan.

Oba Adetunji spoke at the installation of the new Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace in an impressive ceremony witnessed by traditional practitioners from the six southwestern states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.A statement by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, quoted the monarch to have said: “One of the definitions of tradition is that whatsoever was good for our forefathers should also be good for us. Every aspect of Yoruba tradition and customs that we champion is preserved and protected. One, chiefs are no longer addressed as monarchs as this has become unlawful. Two, we have stopped indiscriminate wearing of beaded crowns and coronets.”

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family of renowned businessman, Chief Lekan Are, who passed away on Saturday, urging them to find solace in the good deeds and the good life lived by the departed.Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also condoled with friends and associates of the deceased, whose outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry in Oyo State, and the nation, will be sorely missed.He prayed that God would accept the soul of the departed and comfort his family.

Also, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described as a sad loss and the exit of Are.Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to the Oyo State Governor, Babatunde Oduyoye, stated this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

In the same vein, the Olubadan has mourned the passage of a renowned industrialist and former President, Government College, Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Dr. Lalekan Ayokunnu Are, who died yesterday.He was described as a humanist and passionate lover of his fatherland per excellence.

Also, the immediate-past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has expressed great sadness at the passing away of Are.This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Media Adviser, Tunji Bolaji.

Senator Ajimobi said his death came at a time his wise counsel is still required by the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in general.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the family of Are.A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said that the Punch Newspapers will miss his contributions, and that as a leading businessman, the late Are, through resilience and hardwork, created jobs for many Nigerians by setting up various businesses and investments for over 30 years.