The new Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the chairmen of the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland, to assist his office towards ensuring the peace and unity of the city and its people.
He made the appeal while speaking on the preparation for his upcoming installation by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, stating that to effectively carry out his roles, the state government and the local government areas must make proper provision for his office.
According to him, Araba played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and stability of Ibadanland, insisting that to effectively carry out the duties expected of him, he needed the support of Oyo government as well as that of the local government areas.
He said, “Only few understand the roles of Araba towards ensuring the peace and development of Ibadanland. Many don’t even know the importance of ‘Ose Meji’, in ensuring the peace and development of Ibadanland. On daily basis, Araba will consult Ifa ‘Ose Meji’ which assisted Lagelu in founding Ibadan. He takes care of all the sacrifices to ensure peace and stability of Ibadanland all by himself with little support from Ibadan South East local government.
“The last salary paid to my predecessor on monthly basis was N5000. An amount Araba will likely spend more on a daily basis for the peace and development of Ibadanland. As the new Araba of Ibadanland, I’m using this medium to appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde and all the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to make proper provisions for the office of Araba. The office of Araba deserves better treatment from the government.”
