By David Adeoye
The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, on Sunday urged Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to help resolve succession issues in Ogbomoso and Oyo cities.
Akinfenwa said, while delivering a sermon during a Thanksgiving Service, that succession difficulties surrounding the appointment of the Soun of Ogbomoso and Alaafin of Oyo could be resolved with Makinde’s intervention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Thanksgiving Service was part of activities of the first coronation anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun.
Akinfenwa noted that “the vacuum created in the palaces of the two cities since the demise of their kings over a year ago has robbed them of the desired and expected progress.”
He said while Gov. Makinde was not responsible for the succession problem and the subsequent delay, his intervention and prompt action would enhance speedy processes of succession to the thrones.
“I equally charge all the people involved in the selection processes in the two cities to expedite action, while those struggling to mount the thrones too should give peace a chance and let the interest of the two communities be paramount in their hearts.
“It doesn’t take long before people forget things. Very soon, people may forget about the titles of Alaafin and Soun,” Akinfenwa stated.
The Anglican bishop praised Ibadan for its unique system of ascension to the stool of Olubadan, noting that Ibadan traditional system remains a model that is acknowledged globally.
He declared that the last one year of Oba Balogun in Ibadan has brought a lot of progress and development to the city.
“I also laud the state governor for not reinventing the story, but he stuck to the tradition of the succession plan which has been described as peaceful, transparent and enduring.
“The anniversary being celebrated now would not have been possible if the governor had done otherwise.
“So, let all of us always give the system the honour it deserves.
”Over the ages, people have continued to hold dear their culture and traditions because of the inherent values and nothing can change that mindset,” Akinfenwa said.
NAN reports that the junior brother of Oba Balogun, Sen. Kola Balogun, and two of Olubadan’s wives, Olayinka and Olufunmilayo, represented him at the programme.
The service was held at The Cathedral Church of St. James, Oke-Bola in Ibadan.(NAN)
