IYALOJA-GENERAL: WE STAND BY COMPETENCE, DUE PROCESS- CCII. (PHOTO).

Iyaloja-General: We stand by competence, due process – CCII

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has waded into the tussle over the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, saying the body stands by merit, competence, due process and a level playing ground for all contenders.

CCII said as a peace-loving socio-cultural organisation, it had played a neutral role by interacting with the two contenders with a view to ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

There has been controversy over the post of Iyaloja-General of Oyo State between Princess Folashade Abeo and Alhaja Saratu Konibaje.

A statement by CCII President-General, Barr. Niyi Ajewole stated that CCII would not close her eyes while some people are fanning the ember of animosity that would disrupt the pleasant atmosphere of peace that Ibadan and Oyo State are enjoying.

CCII condemned the discriminatory statement against Ibadanland by Folashade Abeo, saying Ibadan liberalism should not be taken for granted and Ibadan indigenes would not fold their hand while some people gang up to discriminate, intimidate and wage war against its daughter, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje.

Abeo was quoted as saying: “Oyo state belongs to all zones in the state, so, it would be fair, just, and equitable if another zone is allowed to produce the state’s Iyaloja general, given that the Oyo state government has formally recognised Mr. Y.K. Abass as the Babaloja General, who is from Ibadan.”

But CCII maintained that an Ibadan man is the Babaloja of Oyo State doesn’t preclude an Ibadan daughter from becoming Iyaloja of Oyo State if Konibaje is eligible, qualified, accepted and the emergence follows the due process. 

“If indigenes from the same town or city of Oyo State emerged as Babaloja and Iyaloja of Oyo State, so be it. Ibadan people will not have any cause to oppose it, in as much as it is based on merit and the due process clearly followed,” the body stated.

Parts of the statement read: “Except for traditional titles, Ibadan people do not care, who holds what office, in as much the person doesn’t do anything to bring the integrity of Ibadan to disrepute.

“None indigenes had held and still holding political offices in Ibadanland to the posts as high as the office of Local Government Chairman. No town or city in Oyo State has such a magnanimous record.

“In professional and other groups, none Ibadan indigenes are conveniently holding positions of leadership without unwarranted antagonism, from any quarters such is the generous liberalism of Ibadan and her people.”

“In view of the foregoing, we enjoin all parties involved to allow peace to reign and let the government decide on the matter as may be necessary, we humbly call on the government to fairly intervene, no discrimination, based on envious and hateful sentiment would be accepted..”