The 21 Ibadan High Chiefs crowned as Obas by the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi appeared to have dropped their crowns in a move seen as surrendering to the supremacy of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
They were seen on the entourage of the Olubadan at the ongoing Southwest security summit at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Monday.
The joint public appearance is coming two years after they went their separate ways following the crowning of the High Chiefs, who were members of the Olubadan-in-Council, by Ajimobi in 2017.
The High Chiefs had boycotted the palace since their crowning as Obas due to the Olubadan’s opposition to their elevation by the governor.
The monarch argued that the State Government has no right to independently elevate his chiefs.
Though both parties indicated their willingness to reconcile while the crisis lingered, the Olubadan insisted that the only condition for reconciliation was for the new obas to drop their crowns and wait for their time to ascend the throne of the Olubadan in line with the custom.
But the Obas also maintained that their crowning was already gazetted by the state government. This was followed by a legal battle.
The appearance of the Obas at the security summit, however, indicated that they have surrendered to the tough stance of the Olubadan.
They wore only common hats as they sat two lines behind the Olubadan as members of his entourage.
The outing may be a silent indication that the royal rumble in the Olubadan palace has come to an end.
On the entourage of the Olubadan were the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; Asipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; the Asipa Balogun, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; the Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and the Ekarun Balogun High Chief Adegbola.
At the meeting are also the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and a host of other traditional rulers.
Speaking at the gathering, the State Governor Seyi Makinde commended the reconciliation between the Olubadan and his High Chiefs.
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On sighting the high chiefs without their crowns with the Olubadan, Makinde said:
“In the entourage of the Olubadan, I can see the High Chiefs.
“I think it is a positive development in Oyo State. We are talking about security here; and I think it is part of what will help overall security of the society.”
