The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has weighed into the controversy involving ranking and hierarchy between two Monarchs in the state, The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
The governor in a closed door meeting with the traditional Monarchs seemed to have been able to bridge the gap and mend the broken relationship.
Speaking after the meeting, the state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun said; “I don’t want you to go and write anything out of context. Yes, we are here, our fathers are here to see me. Of course, we deliberated on so many things. I’m sure you want to say what is happening.
“Indeed, nothing is happening. They came here to see the possibility of how to make sure we have peace in the state, among so many other things that we did.
“Don’t forget that this would be the first time I would have the opportunity – I’ve shown my appreciation before for the 40th anniversary, so, it is an opportunity for me to still show that. Something to cheer here: Oba Gbadebo smiles
“So, if you think that you want to ask that what is the outcome, outcome of what?. We have come here to deliberate and as always, it’s always a pleasure for me to have our fathers around here.
“There is nothing like ranking of Oba, we know ourselves. Our fathers,.they have their ways, even, before the advent of all these colonials and what have you.
“We have ways of how we live in harmony and I think we will continue to do that. Don’t forget, and I’m saying this again with all due humility.and sense of responsibility, that in the context of we Yorubas, we know our pre-eminent status.”
While the Awukale of Ijebuland refused to comment or speak with the press, the Alake of Egbaland spoke about the striking workers in the state and his efforts at reconciling them, he said; “I have come to see my governor for many things, including the strike action of the workers and I’m very sure they would go back to work very soon by the grace of God”
Recall that the Alake of Egbaland had ranked himself before the Awujale in his earlier ranking when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi visited, this ranking agitated the Awujale of Ijebuland who replied the ‘faulty and ill researched’ ranking at an inaugural lecture for a professorial chair at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, adding that the Alake was nothing but a junior traditional ruler who could not have come before him on any ranking.