The ongoing crisis between traditional institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde has worsened.
On Thursday, the crisis took another dimension when the three High Chiefs due for elevation as Obas announced they would be absent from the event.
High Chief Kola Babalola, the Ekaarun Olubadan, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, Ekerin Balogun, and High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Ekaarun Balogun were due for elevation as Obas. Their coronation had been slated for Friday.
It was learnt that both the traditional institution in Ibadan, which consists of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, members of Olubadan-in-Council and Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde are currently at loggerheads over the plans by the state government to promote the affected High Chiefs to Obas.
A few days ago, the Oyo State Government had asked the Olubadan to provide the list of those who are due to promotion for proper arrangements.
Olubadan was said to have told the government to give him more time to send the list.
But a few days later, the state government released the names of those who are due for elevation without waiting for the Olubadan to send the list.
Traditional chiefs, leaders and prominent indigenes of Ibadanland, it was learnt, have also decided to shun today’s event.
Media aide to the Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, who confirmed that the three individuals due for elevation will not attend the programme, said they have informed the Olubadan that they will not be available.
He added that the state government has been informed about their absence. He, however, insisted that there is no crisis between the Olubadan and Governor Makinde.
Oloko in a statement said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the three concerned High Chiefs due to be coronated have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable, and have, therefore, asked for postponement”.
