Family heads, Mogajis, Baales reject Governor Makinde’s coronation committee for new Olubadan
Family heads under the umbrella the Association of Mogajis in Ibadan, Baales, and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) have expressed their dissatisfaction with the composition of the committee appointed by the Oyo State government for the coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
They rejected the committee, alleging that it predominantly comprises politicians and civil servants, with insufficient representation from the traditional institution and the monarch’s family.
They questioned the motives and loyalties of those appointed to the coronation committee, expressing concern over whose interests they would prioritise.
Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Mogaji Tunji Odugade, President and General Secretary of the association respectively, along with Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), issued a statement criticising the criteria used in selecting committee members.
They emphasised that the Olubadan’s coronation concerns the entire Ibadan community, not just political interests.
The family heads urged the state government to reconsider its decision and ensure adequate representation from the traditional institution in the committee overseeing the coronation process.
They said: “In the committee, CCII was not represented, Association of Mogajis of Ibadan land was not represented, the Baales are also not represented.
“We rejected the committee, and sincerely hope His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, will do the needful by ensuring that we have an all-inclusive committee befitting of His Imperial Majesty.
“Olubadan deserves a well-organised coronation, and this starts from a committee befitting the people of Ibadan land.
“The coronation committee for the Olubadan has always been championed by the locals and traditional institution, not government.
“A very good example is Chief Theophilus Akinyele, who led the coronation committee of former Olubadan, Oba Yunusa Bankole Ogundipe.
“The state government was only invited to be a member of the committee, not that the state government will be championing committee for the coronation of an Olubadan.”
