TheCable

Saliu Adetunji, olubadan of Ibadan, says the threat to remove him is an affront to the people.

He said no olubadan has ever been recommended for removal, and his reign will not be an exception”.

On Monday, the Ibadan council of obas issued a 21-day ultimatum to Adetunji.

They accused him of acts unbecoming of his office as the paramount ruler of the ancient town.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Adeola Oloko, the monarch’s spokesman, quoted the olubadan as saying that the oba-in-council was unknown to the Oyo state chieftaincy laws.

Adetunji expressed surprise that a group of educated individuals such as the high chiefs could resort to illegality by commenting on a matter before the court.

The olubadan argued that the oba-in-council, which comprises of high chiefs and the olubadan is an advisory council with no force of law, customs and traditions backing it.

He said that the baales whom the high chiefs have added to themselves to become 21 were also not members of the olubadan-in-council.

Adetunji also said there was no time that the embattled high chiefs were barred from attending palace activities, adding that they were the ones who rejected palace invitation.

The monarch expressed delight that in spite of their absence from official palace activities, the olubadan had been exercising his duties without hindrance.

“By custom and tradition, no olubadan has been recommended for removal from office by any high chief or group of high chiefs at any time and my own reign will not be an exception,” the statement read.

“At least, we have received applications from families of about four of the embattled high chiefs asking for their immediate replacement.

“But, like a prodigal son, we hope that they would sooner than later renounce the unrecognised crowns and return to the warm embrace of their father as the palace door is perpetually open.

“The high chiefs are hereby advised to emulate high chiefs in other places who are not wearing crowns but still earn respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land.”