Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State with the Olubadan of Ibadanland and his wives.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, said the recent decision of the new kings to release his 11-month local government allowances was an afterthought calculated to prevent backlash of their unlawful action.
The monarch was reacting to last Monday’s decision of the new kings saying each of the 11 Local Government Traditional Councils in Ibadan is a creation of law and its operation is governed by rules and not by force.
He said he wrote a letter to all the secretaries of the Local Government Traditional Councils where salaries of palace workers and Olubadan were withheld to suspend payment of fees and allowances to members of the traditional councils.
Olubadan also stated that copies of the letter had since been sent to the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, as well as the Chairmen of Local Government Councils, concerned to keep them fully informed and ensure compliance.
He stated further that if any payment were to be made henceforth, the secretary of the Local Government Traditional Council would have to obtain clearance from the Olubadan, adding that secretaries, who disregard the directive, would face the wrath of the law.
Oba Adetunji stated further that as President of the 11 Local Government Traditional Councils in Ibadan land, the Olubadan has the right to go and preside over the meetings of each council directly by himself and may likely resort to this at a later date.