Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, Olubadan of Ibadan has dared the baales and the embattled high chiefs seeking for his removal.
Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Olubadan
In a statement by Mr Adeola Oloko, Director of Media and Public Affairs to the Olubadan, the monarch fumes: “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. 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 unrecognised 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.”
“The Oba-in-Council are unknown to Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws. In the same vein, the baales, who 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.”
“As the prescribed and appointing authority, I can promote and/or peg the promotion of a high chief. But I did not contemplate any such decision as I did not see myself as an absolute monarch.”
“There is no time the embattled high chiefs were barred from attending palace activities, they shunned palace invitations in their alleged desperate rush for multiple crowns and cheap royalty. Despite their absence from palace activities, I have been exercising my duties without let or hindrance.”
“Even when the obas were being harassed and molested in the streets and called unprintable names, I tried to calm frayed nerves to guarantee their safety and security by going to court to quell tension. As the Yoruba proverb says the okra can never outgrow its reaper, a high chief cannot outgrow the king by threatening to recommend his removal.”