The traditional Institution in Ibadanland, including Monarchs, Chiefs, Mogajis, Baales and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) have responded to a statement credited to Dare Adeleke, a chieftain of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and an ally of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Adeleke had earlier reacted to the traditional institution’s condemnation of his outburst against the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, over the monarch’s presence at the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ijebu road.
In a joint statement, the traditional institution said freedom of speech, as claimed by Adeleke, does not confer immunity to insult another person, particularly the Olubadan and the traditional institution of Ibadanland.
They noted that while every citizen has the right to express opinions, such rights must be exercised with decorum and respect. Most especially for constituted authority and cultural institutions
The President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives (ICPI) Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, reiterated their earlier position that Adeleke’s Ibadan indigenship should be questioned. According to them, the manner of his attack on the palace showed a lack of understanding of Ibadan customs and the reverence accorded to the Olubadan stool.
“Your freedom of speech doesn’t confer you the immunity to insult and embarrass another person, not the person of Kabiyesi Olubadan and the traditional institution of Ibadanland.
“Where your own freedom of expression stops, another commences, we retriate once again that your Ibadan indigeneship should be questioned, no sane and sincere son or daughter of the city would describe Kabiyesi as the Olubadan of Ibadan, rather we address our Monarch the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Who are you to accuse that Kabiyesi Olubadan has committed an infraction? We say it once again, it’s bigger than your father’s mouth?
When an Oba errs? he can and should be called to account, from you to Kabiyesi Olubadan ?
What an idiotic insult on the Royal institution of Olubadan”.
They said the distinction matters because the title reflects the monarch’s authority over the entire Ibadanland and not just the city centre, and deliberately misnaming it amounts to disrespect.
They further explained that Oba Ladoja’s attendance at the flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu road was in the interest of the people and not partisan politics.
“All what Kabiyesi said, was it an opinion and commendation? Did Adeleke believe he is the only one that is educated? He need to go back to school and lean more
“He said we are threatening him, he should go back to School and learn the meaning of treath or rather approach the court if he wishes. Our position is simple, he should stop insulting Olubadan, and the Royal traditional institution of Ibadanland
“Instead of insulting Olubadan, he should face his APM campaign, he should decipate his energy in addressing series of the problem his boss has been creating since he came on board” ?
The traditional leaders maintained that the Olubadan, as father of all, has the right to associate with leaders of various political parties and to identify with projects that bring development to Ibadanland.
The Mogajis and ICPI also called on political actors in Oyo State to desist from dragging the palace into partisan issues.
They urged stakeholders to focus on unity and development rather than utterances capable of heating the polity and causing division among residents.
They however maintained their demand for a retraction and public apology from Adeleke.
They said preserving the dignity of the Olubadan Royal institution is a collective responsibility of all indigenes of Ibadanland and any attempt to undermine it will be resisted by the traditional institution and the good people of Ibadanland.
