The political and traditional tension in Ido town, Oyo State, has finally drawn the attention of Ibadan’s paramount ruler.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has stepped into the nearly two-decade-old dispute surrounding the Onido stool, which has seen three individuals claiming the leadership of the town simultaneously.
Panel to Investigate Root Causes Announced
Speaking on the issue, Oba Ladoja emphasized the need for peace among all parties.
He revealed that a panel would be inaugurated on Monday, January 12, at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, to investigate both the historical and immediate causes of the 19-year-long crisis.
A statement from his media aide, Adeola Oloko, confirmed the announcement but did not provide details on the identities or structure of the panel members.
Community Voices Growing Concern
The lingering Onido crisis has sparked anxiety among residents and local stakeholders.
PUNCH Online reported that on Tuesday, members of the community voiced fresh concerns over the unresolved dispute, highlighting that three individuals currently lay claim to the throne: Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi II, Tajudeen Akinola, and Muritala Babalola.
Sarafadeen Adeyeye, a community leader, told journalists in Ibadan that the situation is increasingly fragile.
He urged Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan to intervene urgently, stating,
“At the moment, Ido is in a very delicate situation because we have three different people claiming to be the Onido. This is unhealthy for any community.”
Historical Context of Ido Leadership
Ido Local Government was once part of the five local governments in the Ibadan District, a system abolished in 1956.
Adeyeye explained that the unresolved leadership dispute has continued to sow tension, confusion, and division in the ancient town, affecting social cohesion and community harmony.
Olubadan Confirms Panel’s Mandate
Oba Ladoja reassured that the committee would begin its work immediately following inauguration.
He explained that the panel’s responsibilities include examining both the remote and recent causes of the Onido stool dispute and recommending solutions to help the Olubadan and his council permanently resolve the crisis.
The monarch stressed that the panel’s formation falls within his authority as the recognized and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland, signaling a decisive step toward resolving a long-standing issue that has troubled Ido town for almost two decades.
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