An Ibadan-based socio-cultural group, Maja-Maja Indigenous Group, MMIG, has restated its call on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, to approve the elevation of Baales in Ibadanland, to the position of lesser kings.
The group in a statement on Saturday, by its president, Abdulkabir Akinpelu and Secretary, Aderemi Adebisi, respectively, said the elevation of the Baales to position of lesser kings would not only allow Olubadan to fully attain his ‘Imperial Majesty’ status but also bring development to Ibadanland.
The statement read: “We want to commend Oba Olalekan Balogun, for indicating interest in the review of Ibadanland chieftaincy law. We also thank God Almighty that the issue of elevation of High Chiefs to position of Obas has been resolved. However, we want Governor Makinde and the Olubadan to consider some areas in the reform of the former governor, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, that will still be good for Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement.
“Elevation of Baales to the position of lesser kings under Olubadan and High Chiefs will allow our new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, to fully attain his ‘Imperial Majesty’ status.”
Akinpelu added that Ibadan traditional chieftaincy had always been a fascinating institution, stating that its thematic significance as a representative monarchy was more sophisticated than most monarchies in Yorubaland.
“We are aware that the Ibadan system is so unique that succession is not hereditary but based on an egalitarian peerage system that is in turn built upon an interconnected coterie of agboile–a network of relations embedded in nuclear and extended family units.”
MMIG stated further that promotion of Baales of adjoining communities to position of lesser kings under Olubadan and other Ibadan High Chiefs would go a long way in bringing development to Ibadanland.
“History has revealed that some Baales in some communities under Ibadan used to be addressed as Obas in the past before being conquered by Ibadan and they have been agitating for recognition as Obas for decades.
“Many of them were formally recognized as ‘His Royal Highness’ under the following titles: Onijaye of Ijaye; Oniroko of Iroko; Ololodo of Olodo; Onikereku of Ikereku; Elerunmu of Erunmu; Elegbeda of Egbeda; Alakufo of Akufo; Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Alawotan of Awotan; Olomi of Omi-Adio; Onido of Ido; Onilalupon of Lalupon; Olugbon of Ile Igbon; Olofa of Ofa-Igbo; Ologburo of Ogburo; Onilagun of Lagun; Alaba of Abanla; Onilatunde of Latunde; Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre; Alakanran of Akanran; Alajia of Ajia and the Elejioku of Ejioku.
“Governor Seyi Makinde should consider promoting these Baales to the position of Obas so that Olubadan can truly attain ‘His Imperial Majesty’ status. Late Ajimobi’s reform is not totally bad and must not be thrown into the dustbin of history. There are areas that are still useful for Ibadan traditional chieftaincy arrangement,” it said.
