The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sen. Dr. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II has waded in the ongoing crisis rocking the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The monarch directed CCII Board of Trustees (BoT), and Committee of CCII past President-Generals to unite and go ahead with the April 14 Election.
Recall that Barrister Niyi Ajewole, a nominee from Oluyole Social Elite Club who is contesting against the current CCII President-General was disqualified by some members and Chairman of the 2023 CCII Electoral Committee as directed by the BoT after the candidate had previously been cleared to contest.
The Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Gbadamosi Adebimpe who spoke on behalf of the monarch at a meeting held on Monday at Olubadan palace maintained that CCII executives should be elected democratically, saying no room for disqualification of any candidate contesting for any post, describing Ajewole’s disqualification as null and void.
The monarch reiterated that the CCII election slated for 14th of April, 2023 remain sacrosanct, directing CCII BoT and Committee of past Presidents-General to close ranks and forge ahead.
The Personal Assistant to Kabiyesi Olubadan, Baale Isiaka Akinpelu Jagun adviced all the CCII members to go ahead with their Elections in their usual manner and tradition while maintaining peace and orderliness.
Chief Bayo Oyero, who spoke on behalf of CCII Past Presidents-General crushed the illegal and unconstitutional disqualification of Ajewole, citing Article 8.2 (iii ) of CCIIconstitution.
He noted that BoT got it wrong by instructing the Independent Electoral Committee to disqualify the candidate of another affiliate club, saying that they lack such power according to CCII Constitution.
He added that the matter should even be put to rest because the concerned Secretary General who was also from Oluyole Social Elite Club has been recalled by his club.
In attendance were the current CCII President-General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga, who was accompanied by only one executive member, the Financial Secretary, as he was deserted by other members of the executives.
Others in attendance were: CCII Rescue and Restoration Mission members, four CCII BoT members Chief Bayo Alugbin, Pa Wale Adeoye, Dr. O.O Adekola, and Chief B.A.O Ladeji.
Two members of the BoT, together with the BoT Chairman were absent at the meeting.
On the seat with His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland were the Otun Balogun High Chief Adebimpe, Ekeerin Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Asamu Ajibade and Chief Isiaka Akinpelu Personal Assistance to Kabiyesi and Baale Jagun.
