Ibile G-7 faults Makinde, Commissioner Over rebuttal on chief’s law gazette

Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, a former NUJ President and leader of the IBILE G-7 GROUP, has challenged the government to provide evidence and clarify the issues surrounding the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

Recall that Oyo State Government responded to the controversy surrounding the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stating that the government has no intention of subverting the will of the people or scuttling the ambition of anyone from becoming the next Olubadan.

In a press statement, the Commissioner of Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the allegations as “rumors” and “preemptive” discussions about succession plans when the throne is not vacant.

However, Ogundipe questioned the government’s claim that the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, set up a review panel on Ibadan Chieftancy declaration, demanding to know when the committee was instituted, who the members were, and what the terms of reference were.

He also challenged the government to produce records of the panel’s proceedings and disclose the names of the Chairman and Secretary, including the members.

Ogundipe appealed to the government not to set Ibadan on fire and to bury the hatchet, urging the Oba, High Chiefs, and stakeholders to rise together and put the enemy of progress to shame.

The controversy surrounds the government’s distribution of a backdated gazette changing the ascendancy clause in the Ibadan Declaration, which has sparked concerns among Ibadan indigenes and stakeholders.