The Olubadan-in-Council has unequivocally declared the planned installation of an Iyalode of Oyo State by a group of individuals as unlawful.
This position was emphasized during a council meeting presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday.
In a statement released by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the council labeled the proposed title as a violation of traditional customs and state laws.
The Olubadan emphasized that any such action undermines the revered chieftaincy system of Ibadan and poses a threat to public order.
The council’s statement condemned the alleged plans of some market leaders to confer the title, describing it as an affront to the traditions and cultural authority of the region.
The monarch said, “Information brought to the attention of the Olubadan-in-Council has it that some unscrupulous elements among the market leaders in the ancient city have perfected plans to install the Iyalode of Oyo State. Iyalode is a traditional title which is not a toy in the hands of any group of people.
“Such installation is illegal and unknown to the State Chiefs Law 2000 and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. The appointment of the Iyalode is an 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, that position is a traditional title which is peculiar to each town. It is not an honorary title that can be dashed out to anyone. Are they saying that the Iyalode of Ibadanland, High Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi, who waited for 42 years to become the Iyalode, be answerable to an individual who was just handpicked from the street by a faceless group of people?”
The council further urged security agencies to act decisively by arresting the sponsors and beneficiaries of this “illegal act,” especially as the installation ceremony was allegedly slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Reiterating the sacredness of the Iyalode title, the council highlighted its significance within the traditional hierarchy. According to the statement:
“The council has asked any group, by whatever name, to suspend every other chieftaincy installation, particularly the one slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan for peace to reign in the land.”
The council also addressed market men and women, urging them to maintain focus on their trading activities and avoid unnecessary conflicts arising from political disputes.
Additionally, the statement criticized the increasing number of unapproved chieftaincy titles among traders in the city, stating that only titles conferred with the consent of the Olubadan Palace would be officially recognized.
The meeting, which lasted two hours, saw the installation of several Mogajis, family heads and Baales, village heads, by the Olubadan.
The newly installed chieftains were reminded of their responsibilities and admonished to avoid engaging in land grabbing or any other form of misconduct that could tarnish the image of their offices.
Prominent members of the council in attendance included the former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola; and the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Kolawole Adegbola, among others.
The Olubadan-in-Council concluded by reaffirming its commitment to preserving the integrity of the Ibadan traditional system, warning against any attempts to desecrate its customs.
