The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over the installation of some Ibadan high chiefs as Obas in their absence, describing the move as a “bad page” in the state’s history.
The party, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the development amounted to a mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution.
Sadare, in a statement reacting to the ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where three high chiefs were elevated to Obas despite their absence, faulted the governor’s action.
He said, “Governor Makinde made a mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution today when he installed photographs and empty chairs as Obas.
“He can never have any justification for this shameful act but we are not surprised because we have known him to be an accidental public servant.
“He has written a bad page for himself in the book of history and we do not pity him.”
The opposition party maintained that the installation of traditional rulers in absentia undermined the sanctity and cultural significance attached to the Yoruba traditional institution.
It added that political considerations should not be allowed to erode long-standing customs and practices guiding traditional leadership in Yorubaland.
