The Onido of Ido, Ibadan, His Royal Highness, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, Gbadewolu 1 has said that his great grandfather, Babalola made the first Agura the Baale of Ido based on years of friendship.
Oba Babalola while reacting to the claim by deposed Baale Tajudeen Agura that he is the authentic Onido of Ido because he came from Agura family said that the claim is laughable and an attempt by Tajudeen Agura to twist and deconstruct history.
“My attention has been drawn to a story published by TheDispatch and which was equally published by other online news websites in which one Tajudeen Agura, the deposed Baale of Ido made some inaccurate and incendiary remark and claim that my great grandfather was a labourer in his father’s farm. Ordinarily, I would not have reacted to such false claim if not for the purpose of setting the record straight, most especially when such claim is not only false but had to do with history.”
Speaking further, Oba Babalola said that contrary to the claim by Tajudeen Agura that the Babalolas were tenants in Ido; it was actually the Aguras who were tenants in Ido.
“This is laughable to begin with. I’m from the Babalola family of Alekuso in Ibadan. My family is the custodian of Andulehin Eegun Onilu of Alekuso, Ibadan. My great grandfather was a drummer who was part of the great individuals who were instrumental to the formation of the third Ibadan, the current Ibadan after the collapse of the first two Ibadans. Tajudeen Agura’s great grandfather was a friend of my great grandfather who happened to be in control of Ido. And when my great grandfather was asked to be the Baale of Ido which happened to be under his control; he told his friend, Agura to assume the position of Baale in Ido. Ask Tajudeen to show his family house in Ido. We gave his grandfather a room and later a house. This is a case of pot calling kettle black.”
Also reacting to the claim that the first Agura built a house, Ile Apeero Ogun (War Strategy House) in Ojaa Oba in Ibadan; Oba Babalola said that the house Tajudeen Agura was referring to belonged to his grandfather’s in-law that had no link to Tajudeen Agura.
“I understand that Tajudeen Agura has found it difficult to accept reality. The reality that Babalola family has already taken back what is rightfully theirs. I have been Ashipa of Ido, a Baale of Ido before my recent elevation to the position of Oba.” I have done everything within my power to support Tajudeen Agura who I know is going through a difficult period due to illegal encroachment and selling of people’s landed properties but all he does is to try to tarnish my image and that of my family.”
“He has failed in many of his attempts in the past and he is going to fail again because no amount vicious attacks and campaign of calumny will distract me from making Ido a cynosure of eyes.”