The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has advised families across the ancient city to put their house in order before presenting candidates for the position of Mogaji or Baale.
The traditional ruler reiterated that the peace, unity and progress of Ibadanland nurtured by family cohesion, equity and justice will not be compromised in the process of installation of traditional title holders in the city.
Olubadan made these assertions via a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade.
The traditional ruler was reacting to the allegation that he (Olubadan) did not install the Mogaji of Alli-Iwo in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, which is the family of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, at the last installation ceremony.
Oba Olakulehin in the statement said that the Mogaji of Alli-Iwo is not the only candidate that was not installed.
Others that were not installed according to the traditional ruler are Mogaji Kojela Isale-Osi compound , Ibadan South West Local Government, Baale Akinsola village in Akinyele Local Government,Baale Agbon village and Baale Sukuru both from Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The statement revealed that contrary to insinuations, the two Mogajis and the three Baales were disqualified because their families were divided and did not present consensus candidates, an act which is diametrically opposed to the concept, ideals and values of family headship.
“The headship of families is an age long tradition of Ibadanland built on the pillars of family unity, cohesion and love. Whoever the family presents must be a consensus candidate without rancour.
“As the consenting authority, i owe it a duty to ensure that persons approved must be representatives of an overwhelming majority of members of the individual families they represent.
“This is a critical and crucial step in promoting peaceful co-existence in Ibadanland which will continue to be a cardinal point of my reign. Those disqualified need to go back to their families and put their house in order.
“No amount of cheap blackmail will derail the palace from ensuring forthrightness, equity and justice in the execution of the royal duties and assignments entrusted to me as the representative of our fore fathers”.
