The bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa Sunday tasked Governor Seyi Makinde to solve succession problems in Oyo and Ognomoso.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa gave the task during his sermon at the thanksgiving service to close the four-day programme of the first year coronation anniversary of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, CFR, held at The Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.
The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese Anglican Communion, said the “inability of both Oyo Alaafin and Ogbomoso, two of the ancient cities in Oyo state to have produced successors to the thrones since the demise of their kings, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 and Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade respectively over a year ago has robbed them of the desired and expected progress.
“I implore our governor, Seyi Makinde, to help the two ancient cities to solve their succession problems. I know he is not the one causing the problem, but, as an achiever, he will add to his feathers of success by the two cities having kings to reign over them,” he said.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa added, “I equally charge all the people involved in the selection processes in the two cities to expedite actions, 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.”
Describing Ibadan Obaship traditional system as “a model that is acknowledged globally,” Bishop Akinfenwa said the last one year of Oba Balogun in Ibadan “has brought a lot of progress and development to the ancient metropolis, the similarities of what both Oyo and Ogbomoso are missing by not having heads for over a year.”
Bishop Akinfenwa lauded Governor Makinde for not reinventing the story by sticking to the tradition of the succession plan described as peaceful, transparent and enduring.
