The Olubadan-in-Council has stopped the installation of the Iyalode of Oyo State by a group of individuals stating that such a title is illegal and unknown to the law.
These assertions were made on Monday during a meeting presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I.
The two-hour meeting was attended by other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Dada-Isioye; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez; Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
Similarly, the Olubadan-in-Council has instructed all groups, regardless of their name or purpose, to suspend all planned chieftaincy installations, particularly the one scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, to ensure peace in the land.
The council expressed disapproval of the proliferation of chieftaincy titles among traders in the city, emphasizing that only titles installed with the knowledge of the Olubadan Palace would be granted proper recognition.
Furthermore, the council urged market men and women in the ancient city to focus on their primary mandate of trading and avoid unnecessary disputes over political positions.
It said, “Information brought to the attention of the Olubadan-in-Council indicates that some unscrupulous elements among the market leaders in the ancient city have perfected plans to install an Iyalode of Oyo State. Iyalode is a traditional title, not a toy in the hands of any group of people.
“Such an installation is illegal and unknown to the Oyo State Chiefs Law 2000 and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. The appointment of an Iyalode is the exclusive preserve of the people of the town under the leadership of their traditional ruler, who is the consenting and prescribed authority.
“Each town or city has its own Iyalode. This position is a traditional title peculiar to each town; it is not an honorary title that can be arbitrarily awarded. Are they implying that the Iyalode of Ibadanland, High Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi, who waited 42 years to ascend the title, should now answer to someone handpicked from the streets by a faceless group of people?
“We call on security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute the sponsors and beneficiaries of this illegal act.”
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, installed several Mogajis and Baales following the meeting.
The new traditional title holders were admonished to avoid land grabbing or engaging in any misconduct.
Speaking through the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, Oba Olakulehin advised the newly installed title holders not to act as lords over their subjects.