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Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan
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.
Source:Punchng
