(NAN) A leader of the All Progressives’ Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, has said that politicians have a lot to learn from the uniqueness of Ibadan “Obaship’’ succession system. The former Lagos governor disclosed this on Sunday in Ibadan during a condolence visit to the palace of the late Olubadan of Ibadan land, Samuel Odulana. Mr. Tinubu said that the unique thing to learn from the system was that “once an Oba departs, the successor is already known in the Ibadan succession system.” The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Ibadan Obaship succession is rotated between two lines – “Otun Olubadan” and “Balogun”.
The system operates on hierarchy that allows for elevation on every available vacancy.
Mr. Tinubu said the nation’s political system would have been very smooth and peaceful if such system was emulated.
He however noted that the self-centred nature of politicians would never allow it. The former senator described the late Olubadan as “a straightforward, honest, humble, diligent, fearless and a democrat per excellence.” He commended the children of the late monarch for upholding the virtues and legacies of their father. Mr. Tinubu also hailed the chiefs for their support and loyalty to the Olubadan during his reign.
Similarly, Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of APC said that the late Olubadan was “a politician, a father and good dictionary that would be greatly missed.”
“The old are our dictionary, whom we consult in unravelling the definition and facts about difficult situations.
“The late monarch would be greatly missed for his wise counsel,” he said.
Mr. Akande commiserated with the family and the chiefs, and prayed God to grant the departed peaceful rest.
In a response, Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, thanked the visitors for their love for the family and Ibadan as a whole.
Mr. Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, said that they were elated over the visit by the dignitaries.
Also, Professor Femi Lana, the eldest child of the late monarch, thanked the guests for being in Ibadan to commiserate with the family members and the people of Ibadan.
Mr. Lana said that the monarch died peacefully after taking the Holy Communion.
In the entourage were Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and an Ondo State senator, Pius Akinyelure.
(NAN)