Olubadan Acts on Onido Crisis, Promises Fair Resolution

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has intervened in the long-running Onido stool crisis in Ido town, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, by constituting a panel to investigate the dispute.

The monarch’s intervention follows renewed concerns over the traditional leadership of Ido township, where three individuals are reportedly laying claim to the Onido stool, a situation that has persisted for about 19 years. Oba Ladoja appealed to all parties involved to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of further destabilising the community.

According to a statement issued by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan, the investigative panel will be inaugurated on Monday, January 12, at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. Although the names and composition of the panel members were not disclosed, the statement noted that the committee would commence sitting immediately after its inauguration.

The panel has been mandated to examine both the remote and immediate causes of the prolonged Onido stool crisis. It is also expected to make far-reaching recommendations that will guide the Olubadan and his council in resolving the dispute permanently.

The intervention comes days after stakeholders in Ido town raised fresh alarms over the chieftaincy tussle, describing the situation as delicate and harmful to communal unity. The stakeholders said the crisis dates back to 1997 and has been worsened by multiple appointments and counter-appointments, resulting in deep divisions within the town.

The three individuals laying claim to the Onido stool are Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola, and Muritala Babalola.

In their appeal, the stakeholders called on Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation of the crisis. They warned that the prolonged dispute has continued to undermine peace, development, and traditional order in Ido town.