The new 21 monarchs in Ibadan, Oyo State have reportedly dropped their crowns.
The monarchs accompanied the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Monday to the ongoing Southwest security summit at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
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They were adorned in common hats as they sat two rows behind the Olubadan as members of his entourage, an indication that they might have dropped their crowns.
Former governor of Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi, had handed the instruments of office to the kings on August 27, 2017, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
This followed the controversial review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland by a panel headed by Justice Akintunde Boade, which ended in the elevation and crowning of the 21 kings, including the Olubadan high chiefs and baales.
Following a court order on a suit filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja nullifying the coronations, Ajimobi filed an appeal to challenge the nullification before the Court of Appeal.
The new governor, Seyi Makinde, however, opted for an out-of-court settlement which was filed in the Registry of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan on August 20.
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Sighting the high chiefs without their crowns on Monday in attendance with the Olubadan, Makinde said: “In the entourage of the Olubadan, I can see the high chiefs. I think it is a positive development in Oyo State. We are talking about security here, and I think it is part of what will help overall security of the society.”
Also at the meeting were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and a host of other traditional rulers.
