The Oyo State Government on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to nine elevated chiefs in Ibadan to revert to their former status, describing their promotions by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, as illegal.
A statement released by the state government said it was disappointed with the promotions after it requested that concerned high chiefs should submit their medical certificates of fitness before the Olubadan of Ibadan could elevate them.
The statement partly read, “Government’s suspicion and ardent belief are that the recent purported elevation could not have received the blessing of our highly revered father and traditional ruler, the Olubadan of Ibadan. He is reputed to be a forthright and foremost traditional ruler with an enviable track record of achievements and a firm belief in due process as well as a respecter of the rule of law.
“Consequently, government directs that the organisers and the beneficiaries to reverse the purported elevation within 48 hours, failing which appropriate sanctions will be invoked under sections 21 and 26 of the Chiefs Laws, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
In an attempt to clarify its position on the matter, the state government said since the inception of the present administration, it had resisted, as a matter of policy, any attempt to be lured into religious, chieftaincy and labour union issues.
“This is in order to maintain its neutrality, ensure fairness, justice and respect for the rule of law. Government will always uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and would neither encourage nor condone any tradition or peculiar culture of illegality, impunity, disregard and/or disrespect to constituted authority,” the statement said.
