The eight High Chiefs and Baales crowned by late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017 have dropped their crowns after agreeing to revert to the old system.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council held at the Oja’ba palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Mapo Hill, Ibadan on Thursday.
The meeting was also attended by coronet-wearing Baales promoted with the High Chiefs as well as some Mogajis.
The Osi-Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting, explained they supported Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to revert to the original concept.
He recalled that the process of nominating the next Olubadan, which the kingmakers concluded on Tuesday and passed to the government, was done according to the original concept under reference, disclosing that all the kingmakers signed their respective titles as high chiefs.
He said: “We agreed with the Governor. All the processes leading to the nomination of successor to the late Olubadan were in line with the original concept of line of hierarchy in accordance with the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.”
Ajibola, who is one of the Kingmakers, posited that commenting on the case in court “is subjudicial” noting ”it has nothing to do with the original concept of hierarchical status in the succession plan to the Olubadan throne.”
He maintained that what was taken to court was an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the respective plaintiffs, asking the court to determine the lawfulness of judging a case in the absence of the direct beneficiaries of the issue in contest.
Ajibola said the Governor could do his job in line with the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration while the case in court, which was adjourned for further hearing, is allowed to run its course.
The new decision will end a four-year controversy over wearing of beaded crown and coronets by High Chiefs selected Baales respectively.
