Olubadan approves elevation of Adedibu to Asipa

By Adeolu Adeyemo - 05.02.2008

The crisis between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and one of his chiefs, the Ekarun Olubadan, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, may be a thing of the past as the monarch on Monday formally approved the elevation of the Ibadan politician to the position of Ashipa.

The monarch and his council, at its weekly meeting held in Ibadan, unanimously approved his elevation and that of three others.

One of the high chiefs told journalists that “the elevated high chiefs would wait for the approval of the state governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, before they can be invested with their new titles.”

Speaking with journalists after the meeting of the traditional council, Chief Omowale Kuye said “the council had approved the elevation of four of them including Adedibu by two steps higher than their present position.”

He also gave the names of the elevated high chiefs as “Chief AbdulLateef Omotoso, who moved from Asipa to become the Otun Olubadan; Kuye, from Ekerin Olubadan to Osi Olubadan; Adedibu from Ekarun Olubadan to Asipa Olubadan and Chief Femi Olukanmi from Abese Olubadan to Ekerin Olubadan.”

It would be recalled that the monarch, while playing host to members of the Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), who paid him a visit in his palace last week, hinted on the possible elevation of the four chiefs.

The development could have put an end to the crisis that ensued between the monarch and Adedibu following the directive of the Olubadan that the chiefs in Ibadan should quit politics.