Olubadan Replies Obas, ‘A High Chief Can’t Outgrow The King’

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has told some High Chiefs in Ibadan calling for his dethronement, that they lack the powers to unseat him.

The monarch was reacting to a 21-day notice issued by the Obas threatening him to step down or face the consequences.

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The 21 Obas accused the Olubadan of taking unilateral decisions on behalf of the ‘Olubadan-Kings-in-Council’.

Responding, Oba Adetunji described the notice as an embarrassment to the Olubadan stool and the people of Ibadan, adding that the 21 Obas are entertainers of the year.

In a statement by Adeola Oloko, Director of Media and Public Affairs to the Olubadan, the monarch stated that “the so-called Oba-in-Council was unknown to the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws, and wondered how a group of educated individuals such as the embattled high chiefs could resort to illegality by commenting on a matter before the court”.

He said “In the same vein, Baale whom the embattled High Chiefs have added to themselves to become 21 are not members of Olubadan-in-Council and therefore should not be dressed in borrowed robe, as they have no power whatsoever over their lord”.

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Oba Adetunji denied barring the embattled High Chiefs from attending palace activities, adding that they were the ones who spurned palace invitation in their desperate rush for multiple crowns and cheap royalties.

The monarch further maintained that as the Yoruba proverb says that ‘okro can never outgrow its reaper’, “a high chief can’t outgrow the king by threatening to recommend him for removal.”

The statement read: “By custom and tradition, no Olubadan has been recommended for removal from office by any High Chief or group of High Chiefs at any time and my own reign will not be an exception.

“At least, we have received applications from families of about four of the embattled high chiefs asking for their immediate replacement. But, like a prodigal son, we hope that they would sooner than later renounce the unrecognized crowns and return to the warm embrace of their father as the palace door is perpetually open. The high chiefs are hereby advised to emulate high chiefs in other places, who are not wearing crowns but still earn respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land.”

He further denied plans to declare the seats of the Obas vacant in the absence.

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