Olubadan tells new monarchs to drop ‘illegal crowns’

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has asked the newly-crowned kings in the town to drop their “illegal crowns” before he would allow them to perform any traditional function.

Claiming that the Yoruba culture forbids two monarchs in a palace, the first class monarch yesterday upbraided members of Olubadan-in-council who accepted crowns from Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The new monarchs had on Monday accused Olubadan of sidelining them and assigning their roles to one of his wives.

Speaking on behalf of Olubadan-in-council after their meeting on Monday, Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, criticised the Olubadan for denigrating the council and accused him of running a one-man show, which he said may snowball into serious crisis in the town.

He said: “Kabiyesi, Oba Adetunji, has turned the institution of Olubadan into personal affair, which can be run at his wife’s caprices, but which amounts to illegality.

“Contrary to their belief at Popoyemoja palace that Olubadan is an authority unto himself, we are telling the whole world that Olubadan only exists with his council.”

Reacting to the allegations, the Olubadan said he had no objection to the return of his embattled high chiefs to the palace once they drop their “illegal crowns”.

A statement signed by the palace spokesperson, Mr. Adeola Oloko, quoted the paramount ruler as saying that he was not responsible, in the first instance, for their desertion from the palace and abdicating their responsibilities to Ibadanland.