Family heads under the aegis of Association of Mogajis in Ibadan, Baales and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) have rejected the composition of the committee set up by the Oyo State government for the coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In rejecting the committee, they alleged that it was made of politicians and civil servants, with few representations from the traditional institution and the monarch’s family, wondering whose interest those appointed into the coronation committee will serve.

The association’s President and General Secretary, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Mogaji Tunji Odugade, as well as the Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, in a statement, queried the yardstick used in appointing the members of the coronation committee, noting that Olubadan belongs to Ibadan people, not politicians.

They urged state government to make the necessary adjustment by including the traditional institution in the committee.

“In the committee, CCII was not represented, Association of Mogajis of Ibadan land was not represented, the Baales are also not represented.

“We rejected the committee, and sincerely hope His Excellency, Governor Seyi
Makinde, will do the needful by ensuring that we have an all-inclusive committee befitting of His Imperial Majesty.

“Olubadan deserves a well-organised coronation, and this starts from a committee befitting the people of Ibadan land.

“The coronation committee for the Olubadan has always been championed by the locals and traditional institution, not government.

“A very good example is Chief Theophilus Akinyele, who led the coronation committee of former Olubadan, Oba Yunusa Bankole Ogundipe.

“The state government was only invited to be a member of the committee, not that the state government will be championing committee for the coronation of an Olubadan,” they said.