- The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has been facing serious strife recently, this time the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Alli Balogun, Okunmade II, has intervened to resolve the issue. At a meeting held on April 3rd, 2023, at the monarch’s palace, the newly appointed Chancellor, Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano state directed the CCII Board of Trustees (BOT) to liaise with past Presidents General of CCII for a concrete resolution.
The BOT members, led by Chief Bayo Alugbin, emphasized the importance and thorough interpretation of the CCII constitution, which is in line with their stand and earlier publication made to the Electoral Committee and concerned parties. They expressed their annoyance towards Barrister Niyi Ajewole’s camp for their disrespectful attitude towards elders and authorities. The BOT also criticized the use of insulting and disrespectful names by members of Barr. Ajewole’s team, considering it as unhealthy and unacceptable. They further highlighted that the accord with the likes of Baba Oyero by Barr. Ajewole’s team cannot break their personal relationships with the past President Generals of CCII.
The BOT advised any aggrieved member with allegations to present them in writing and channel same in line with the CCII Constitution instead of embarking on libel and defamation of character. They also stated that all their actions and resolutions are in line with the CCII constitution and that the Council of Past Presidents General is not recognized by the Constitution, adding their letter does not hold any water.
Speaking on behalf of Past Presidents General of CCII, Baba Oyero explained their efforts towards resolving the crisis and further backed the letter written by Past President Generals as a way of finding a resolution, even though he agreed that CCII constitution does not recognize the council. He further informed the sitting that the Oluyole Social Elite club has sent a letter to recall the Secretary-General of CCII, and the Constitution’s interpretation will be taken care of.
During the case presentation of Barr. Ajewole’s camp led by Asiwaju Nuru Akinade and Balogun Ojetola Gafar, they highlighted that a letter to recall Akogun Segun Obe, who double as President of Oluyole Social Elite club and the Secretary-General of CCII, has been forwarded to CCII Authority, having failed to resign as coerced by his club. They stated that their reason for his recall is that Akogun Segun Obe is not an indigene of Ibadanland.
Balogun Ojetola Gafar, in addendum to Asiwaju Nuru Akinade’s presentation, advised all CCII Affiliate Clubs to learn from Oluyole Social Elite actions. This led to different underground reactions from indigenes of Ibadan present at the meeting on how a non-Ibadan indigene became President of Oluyole Social Elite club and how the club managed to present him to CCII for two consecutive terms. Baba Oyero cautioned the underground reactions, and apologies were made by everyone.
In addition to High Chief Lateef Adebimpe’s directive on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade, and Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, the Personal Assistant to Kabiyesi, sued for peace and reiterated that their statement is neither a victory nor a judgment statement. Hence, CCII BOT and Past Presidents General should mediate towards ensuring a peaceful CCII Election as it has always been.
In attendance were Prince Yemisi Adeaga, the Current President General of CCII and his team. Also present were the Chairman Ibadan Cultural Week, Engr. Sunday Gbenjo, Vice Chairman Mr Jide Iyanda and the Secretary Mr Suleiman Adeola Oloko, who was the Personal Assistant to immediate Olubadan of Ibadanland, Late Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Ajeogunginiso I.
Chief Bayo Oyero who represented the past President Generals of CCII and members of Barri Niyi Ajewole’s team led by Asiwaju Nuru Akinade and Balogun Ojetola Gafar.
Others in attendance were Members of CCII BOT led by Chief Bayo Alugbin, accompanied by Pa Wale Adeoye, Dr O.O Adekola and Chief B.A Oladeji. On the seat with His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan Of Ibadanland were the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Lateef Adebimpe the Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and the personal assistant to the Olubadan of Ibadanland Chief Isiaka Akinpelu.
