By Erewunmi Peace

Traditional leaders and community stakeholders in Ibadanland have issued a strong warning to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, cautioning him against disrespecting the Olubadan and the traditions of Ibadan.

The warning was jointly issued by:

Mogajis (family heads) in Ibadanland

Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)

Monarchs and Baales (community chiefs)

Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI)

Other prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan

They expressed concern about a recent seating arrangement at a security meeting in which the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was reportedly placed in a position seen as diminishing his status.

In a statement, the stakeholders said Ibadan people would not accept anything that undermines the dignity and standing of the Olubadan stool or the Ibadan traditional system. They reminded the Alaafin and others that Ibadanland should not be regarded as subordinate to Oyo or any other town in Yorubaland.

The statement was signed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative.

The group also urged leaders across Yorubaland to intervene constructively and emphasized that the peaceful disposition of Ibadan people should not be misinterpreted as weakness. They noted that the matter involving the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been resolved and should not be reopened.

In closing, the statement highlighted the Olubadan’s background as a former governor, senator, and businessman, stressing that his traditional position demands respect. The declaration ended with a strong Yoruba phrase:

“Ibadan mesi, won o go” Ibadan has spoken; we will not go back.