An Ibadan socio-cultural group known as Maja-Maja Indigenous Group (MMIG), has once again called on the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun to approve the elevation of Baales to the position of lesser kings.
The Group in a press statement by its President, Abdulkabir Akinpelu and Secretary, Aderemi Adebisi said that elevation Baales to position of lesser kings will not only allow Olubadan to fully attain his ‘Imperial Majesty’ status but will also bring development to Ibadanland.
“We want to commend Oba Olalekan Balogun for indicating interest in the review of Ibadanland chieftaincy, saying that elevation of Baales to position of lesser kings will bring development to Ibadanland. We also thank God Almighty that the issue of elevation of High Chiefs to position of Obas has been resolved. However, we want the Governor and Olubadan to consider some areas in the Ajimobi’s reform that will still be good for Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement.”
The statement further reads: “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.”
The Group added that Ibadan traditional chieftaincy has always been a fascinating institution, saying that its thematic significance as a representative monarchy is 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 added that promotion of Baales of adjoining communities to position of lesser kings under Olubadan and other Ibadan High Chiefs will 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 lesser kings 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.”