A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, has affirmed that the presentation of instruments of office to three newly elevated Obas in Ibadanland was lawful and within the framework of the Ibadan Chieftaincy System.
Akintola, who is the Bashorun Bamofin of Ibadanland, made the statement on Saturday during a radio programme, emphasizing that neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja, acted contrary to the law or the dictates of the reviewed traditional system.
He explained that the recent development signifies that the Ibadan traditional system—touted as the best worldwide—has now been codified, a move that should delight all sons and daughters of Ibadan.
He praised former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, for thinking “outside the box” on the Ibadan traditional system, achieving what residents had long clamored for. With over 33 towns, Ibadan now has 11 Obas, all under the authority of the Olubadan.
> “Yesterday was Good Friday, a good day for all the people of Ibadan, both at home and in the diaspora. The law has been amended, and the tradition codified. Everything is within the ambit of the law. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Akintola said.
“We are grateful to Almighty God for empowering Governor Ajimobi and Governor Makinde to codify these traditional methods. This confirms what the people of Ibadan have long desired.”
He also clarified that the absence of the elevated Obas and the Olubadan at the event did not invalidate the process. According to him, the elevation was initiated by the recipients themselves following a petition submitted to the Olubadan, who then wrote to the state government.
Akintola dispelled claims that the process was politically motivated, noting that the debate on whether a high-ranking member of the Olubadan succession ladder could participate in politics predates Makinde’s administration. The matter dates back to the reign of Oba Michael Odulana when High Chief Lamidi Adedibu had to choose between politics and royal ascendancy.
> “Contrary to speculation, it was one of the recipients who petitioned for the elevation. The Olubadan acted on it, and the governor enforced it. These three people are now qualified to wear beaded crowns under Section 20 of the amended Oyo State law,” Akintola said.
On the significance of attendance at the ceremony, he stated:
> “If you are being promoted, even in your workplace, you don’t need to be present to assume your new status. The Olubadan was represented by the Staff of Office, and the governor was represented by the deputy. Their presence was adequately ensured.”
Akintola also highlighted the scale and tradition of Ibadan, saying that with 33 towns and multiple Obas under the Olubadan’s authority, the codification of additional Obas was long overdue:
> “Ibadan is a megacity, bigger than many state capitals. Each Oba has towns under their supervision, but the Olubadan remains the overall head. The recent elevation addresses longstanding demands for proper governance of the city.”
He concluded by stressing that the event was fully acceptable to Ibadan elites, noting the presence of the President of the umbrella body (CCII), Chief Niyi Ajewole, who delivered a speech at the ceremony.
