by ‘Jola Sotubo
President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to notable traditional rulers in the country, including the Alaafin of Oyo, has caused controversy within the ancient kingdom.
This is due to the fact that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade, was overlooked during the visits and he has expressed his displeasure at the development.
Oba Odugade is said to have stated that the president’s visit to the Alaafin was capable of causing turmoil within the Ibadan chieftaincy institution.
The Nation reports:
In a statement by the Secretary of the Oyo State Council of Obas, the Olubadan said while members of the council awaited the president’s arrival, Jonathan, accompanied by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, breached the protocol of visiting him first as the council’s chairman and went to the palace of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
He said the action showed that Ajimobi still recognises the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the Oyo Council of Obas and Chiefs, contrary to the Chieftaincy Law as amended in 2011 in Cap 37 of the Oyo State Laws, 2000, which says the chairmanship should be rotated among the Alaafin, the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso every two years.
The Olubadan urged the President and Ajimobi to “desist from misleading acts that can disrupt the peace in the state”.
