Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has maintained that there is no ill will toward the elevation of his high chiefs to crown-wearing obas.
He further stated that the elevation will not cause any disruption to the traditional system in the event of the emergence of an Olubadan in the future.
The traditional king said that history may need to be reconstructed at times in order for it to be enduring and sustainable, stressing that the traditional setup in Ibadan continues to evolve in response to demand and change dynamics.
JUST IN: Alaafin Of Oyo, Olubadan Barred From Lekan Salami Stadium Inauguration
He went on to say that despite opposition from some places, the elevation of chiefs is a notion that deserves to be supported since it has some virtues.
Oba Balogun made the clarification during his address at the coronation of members of his Olubadan-in-Council as beaded crown-wearing Obas on Friday at Ibadan’s Mapo hall.
The Olubadan, speaking through a former State Head of Service, Tajudeen Aremu, stated that the crowning and coronation ritual will not change the distinctiveness of the Ibadan Traditional System in any manner.
He said: “We are here to reconstruct the history because what we are doing today, as historical as it is could not be said to be novel, but the history has to be reconstructed to make it enduring and sustainable and hopefully, it shall be.
“We have a unique system in our traditional set up in Ibadan which continues to evolve, responding to dynamics of demand as occasions may dictate and this has been confirming the agelong aphorism that the onky thing permanent in life is change.
2023: I Want The Best For Nigeria, But I Wish You Well – Makinde To Tinubu
“In our responses to the changes over the years, there had always been issues on forging consensuses as arguments for and against always ensue which makes the ongoing controversy on today’s event a welcomed one being our familiar pattern and style in Ibadan.
“In short, whatever we are today in Ibadan as far as our traditional system is concerned are products of periodic changes we have passed through and there is no shying away from making this our own contribution to the system with the conviction that posterity will record us rightly.
“Just like the previous exercise generated controversy, our gathering here today has not been spared as well with arguments for its propriety or otherwise. The fact that the issue refused to die despite the controversy that trailed it up to the point of my coronation last year means it is an idea that has some merits in it which is worthy of embrace.”
He added: “Another notable observation worthy of public clarification has to do with the fear of the stool of Olubadan losing respect, honour and prestige because of the elevation of the High Chiefs to Beaded Crown-Wearing Obas as Royal Majesties. I don’t think it can happen or I don’t see it happening because the stool of Olubadan is a sacred one that nobody dares desecrate for whatever reason or purpose.
Why Alaafin And Olubadan Were ‘Disgraced’ At Lekan Salami Stadium – Oyo Govt
“What’s more, today’s High Chiefs are tomorrow’s Olubadans and the law of what you sow, you will reap or the admonition of our forefathers that when you want to go and bury your senior brother nakedly, take along your younger brother (Eni to ba fe lo sin egbon e ni ihoho, ko ranti mu aburo re lowo) should remain our guide.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.