Ojewale Ayoade, president of the Ibadan Progressive Movement, has strongly criticized the Oyo State Government’s recent denial of attempts to influence the succession to the Olubadan throne.
Ayoade described the statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, as “laughable and misleading.”
In a response to Oyelade’s claim that it is premature to discuss succession plans while the Olubadan throne is not vacant, Ayoade pointed out the apparent hypocrisy.
He noted that the Governor used the presentation of the staff to the new Olubadan as a platform to distribute a backdated gazette, which altered the ascendancy clause in the Ibadan Declaration.
This action, according to Ayoade, was a clear move to stir controversy and prepare the ground for the Governor’s preferred candidate.
“The Governor’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the Olubadan, the people of Ibadan, and our traditional institution,” Ayoade stated.
He further questioned the legitimacy of the review panel set up by the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olelekan Balogun Okumade II, citing that its members were not publicly disclosed and seemed to be known only within the government’s inner circle.
Ayoade said lack of transparency has raised suspicions of an ulterior motive.
Ayoade urged the government to reveal their true intentions and warned against actions that could lead to unrest in Ibadan.
“We demand clarity and transparency in the process. The Governor appears to be driving this agenda alone, and we implore him to reconsider his approach to avoid chaos in the state,” he asserted.
The Ibadan Progressive Movement has made it clear that they will not stand idly by while the government attempts to manipulate the succession process for its own gain.
Ayoade therefore urged the government to respect the traditions and the people of Ibadan by ensuring a fair and transparent succession process.
