The Olubadan throne is not vacant. It is not negotiable. It is not a prize in the next election cycle.
That reminder came this week from the Olubadan-in-Line Traditional Chiefs Forum, and Ibadanland should heed it. In a press release issued at the Aafin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the forum raised concerns over what it described as “growing attempts to politicise the revered Olubadan stool”. Their warning is blunt: such developments pose a threat to the long-standing traditions and unity of Ibadanland. They are right!.
The forum stressed that the Olubadan throne remains a symbol of the cultural heritage, unity, and collective identity of the Ibadan people. Its succession process, they noted, has “over the years been widely regarded as one of the most transparent and orderly in Yorubaland”.
Yet the chiefs are worried over “recent developments and narratives” aimed at dragging the institution into partisan politics, which they believe could undermine its integrity and the longstanding traditions that govern the succession process. They called the “trend disturbing and inconsistent with the customs that have sustained the dignity of the stool”.
Their position is clear: the “ascension process to the throne is strictly merit-based, apolitical and deeply rooted in tradition”. Any form of political interference or manipulation could undermine the sanctity of the institution and threaten peace and stability in Ibadanland.
In their words, “The Olubadan institution must be protected from undue political influence, manipulation, or interference of any kind. Any attempt to drag this revered stool into partisan considerations not only undermines its sanctity but also threatens the peace, stability, and unity of Ibadanland”.
Why does it matter now? The Olubadan system works because it is predictable. It is “founded on fairness, hierarchy, and respect for tradition”. From Abese Olubadan and Abese Balogun down to Jagun Olubadan and Jagun Balogun, every chief in line knows his place, his wait and his duties. The city knows it too. That clarity has spared Ibadan the succession wars that have scarred other towns.
To inject partisan politics into that ladder is to set fire to the roof. A throne that becomes “an extension of political contestation” stops being a unifier. It becomes a trophy. And trophies invite fights.
The forum, therefore, called on political actors, public office holders and interest groups to exercise restraint and respect the traditional processes guiding the emergence of the Olubadan. The throne, they insisted, must never become an extension of political contestation.
Every Ibadan indigene and every well-meaning Nigerian should echo that call. The statement urged us all to remain vigilant and committed to preserving the integrity and independence of the institution. Vigilance means naming the problem. Commitment involves not applauding when politicians disguise their ambition with traditional robes.
This is not an anonymous memo. The press release was signed by members of the forum’s media team: Oloye Abiola Arulogun, Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland; Oloye Abiola Iyiola, Are-Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland; and Oloye Remi Babalola-Ogidi, Bada Balogun of Ibadanland. The forum includes all traditional chiefs who are in line for the Olubadan stool, ranging from Abese to Jagun, representing both the Olubadan and Balogun lines. When the line itself speaks with one voice, the city should listen.
The duty before us is paramount. The Olubadan throne has endured for generations because it rests on a simple contract: the city honours the process; the process produces a king. It is a collective responsibility to sustain its revered status.
Politics will always swirl around power. The task before Ibadanland is simple: raise a barrier between that swirl and the Aafin and keep it standing. The Olubadan stool is not a political football; it is the anchor of our unity. Let campaigns be fought in wards and assemblies, not in the genealogy of chiefs. Let godfathers anoint candidates, not around the palace The core idea is that the Aafin Olubadan must remain insulated. Politics may circle the city, but they must not enter the palace.
Ibadan’s greatness was in embracing politics. It was also about knowing where politics must stop. It stops at the foot of the Olubadan stool. Protect that line and you’ll protect Ibadanland.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, MANUPA, writes from the University of Ibadan, is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI); and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bayo and Bimpe Oyero Foundation (BBOF) and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Icon of Ibadan Heritage Awardee via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
