Olubadan, High Chiefs Seek Genuine Reconciliation

As part of efforts aimed at ending the rift within the Olubadan-in-Council, some council members on Monday  visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace.

The reconciliation team consisting of Otun Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, Osi Olubadan, Rasidi Ladoja and Ekarun Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade, as gathered arrived the palace at about 12.15 pm without crowns in separate vehicles.

Few minutes later, the Olubadan, Oba Adetunji received them with open arms amid songs, drum beat and trumpet sound and the high chiefs paid homage to him.

They later went into closed door meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes after which reporters and camera men were called in to ask questions and take pictures. It was learnt  that a plea for another all-inclusive meeting involving other absent chiefs was made before the royal father, who was believed to have consented for another meeting billed for Monday 19 August, 2019 after the Id-el-Kabir festival.

Meanwhile, the details of the meeting remained sketchy, the Otun Olubadan, Balogun who allegedly spoke at the meeting called on Kabiyesi to summon the meeting of Olubadan-in-Council wherein conflicts would be resolved from within.

In his remarks, the custodian of culture, Oba Adetunji who thanked the returning high chiefs for coming, noted that his support for reconciliation was premised on the need for unity, progress and solidarity of Ibadanland. The monarch told the returning high chiefs that he was all out to protect their interest all along, adding that there were evidences that they were being trapped where they went.

The last time the Olubadan-in-Council meeting was held was May 2017. The meeting has not been able to hold till date following the controversial upgrading of the traditional institution by the Abiola Ajimobi led administration