The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has debunked allegations by some high chiefs that he is monetising chieftaincy titles.
Some embattled members of the Olubadan-in-Council had on Sunday alleged that people now pay the Olubadan up to N30 million to be given traditional titles in Ibadanland.
They claimed that the method has led to the installation of some persons with questionable character at the expense of decent people with a proven track record.
However, in a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, Adeola Oloko, the monarch accused the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, of being the brain behind the allegations.
Oba Adetunji said he has no reason to commercialise award of chieftaincy titles given his age and accomplishments.
“The embattled high chief should have substantiated his claim by mentioning the name of the chief or chiefs who paid the sum,” the statement read.
“He should have disclosed where and when the money was paid. Was the money paid in cash, cheque or through transfer?
“Was it paid in local or foreign currency? What kind of traditional chieftaincy title was the so-called person asking from Olubadan, as alleged by High Chief Lekan Balogun?
“How much gain would the person possibly make from the alleged N30 Million investment on the chieftaincy title, which he could have possibly invested on more profitable venture?”
The Olubadan knocked the high chiefs for not telling the public that in September 2019, when they came to plead with him that the vacant positions from Otun Balogun down to Jagun on both sides should be filled, he requested from them N100, 000 per step, which is the regular amount.
“The money in question, when collected, is always paid into the coffers of the Olubadan-in-Council. It is then disbursed at the end of every successful chieftaincy exercise and divided into three equal parts,” the statement said.
“While one part usually goes to Olubadan, the two other parts are always shared between Otun Olubadan and Balogun lines.”
