Olubadan promotes Adedibu as Asipa

By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa - 31.01.2008

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, has elevated the Ekarun Olubadan, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, to the position of Ashipa. The Ashipa is two steps higher than the Ekarun Olubadan.

With the elevation, Adedibu is now the third in command in the Olubadan chieftaincy line. The other chieftaincy line in Ibadan is that of the Balogun. The Olubadan had earlier vowed not to promote the Ibadan-based politician following the latter’s refusal to sign an undertaking not to participate in active politics.

The Olubadan made public his decision on Wednesday at his palace while playing host to members of the Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU) who paid him a courtesy visit to present a chair befitting his status as the Olubadan.

Oba Odulana explained that no high chief in such a position in the city’s ruling council had ever engaged in politics. He, however, charged indigenes of Ibadan in diaspora to ensure that they did everything within their means to see that the creation of Ibadan state and the establishment of an international airport became a reality.
Earlier, the President of the IPU, Dr. Asimiyu Oyetunji, stated that it

was the pride of the IPU to see Ibadanland develop and progress like other cities in the world and that was why they would stop at nothing to ensure that they contributed their quota to the improvement of the city.

Reacting, Chief Adedibu said that he was ready for whatever was the decision of the Olubadan whom he regarded as his father. Speaking through one of his aides, Alhaji Lukman Agboluaje, the Ibadan high chief said the Olubadan’s resolve to promote him had just confirmed that there was no quarrel between him and the Olubadan.