The Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji has sent a delegation to Cotonou, Benin Republic to observe the proceedings of the court case involving Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.
Oba Adetunji stated this at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace while exchanging views with some leaders of thought comprising the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) President General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga; first vice President General, Dr. Tirimisiyu Oladimeji; Ekefa Olubadan, Senior Chief Lekan Alabi; Ajia Olubadan, Chief Wasiu Alaadorin; Mogaji Makusota, Prof. Oluwasegun Adekunle and Personal Assistant to Olubadan, Mr. Adeola Oloko.
The monarch, who did not disclose the identity of the delegation, said those to observe the court proceedings would be in court unfailingly on Monday.
A statement by his Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity Adeola Oloko quoted the Olubadan as saying the decision became necessary to allay the fears of several people, including protesters who besiege his palace repeatedly and assure he was not folding his arms over the travails of Igboho and his co-travellers.
“Sunday Igboho lives in Ibadan, got married in Ibadan, raised children in Ibadan, built houses in Ibadan and as such he has the rights to be protected by Ibadan Traditional Institution within the ambit of the law just like any human being in Ibadan,” The statement quoted the monarch as saying.
Oba Adetunji, who stated he was in constant touch with Yoruba prominent royal fathers, including Igboho royal crowns, allayed fears of a repeat of the Yoruba-Fulani collision of 1814.
According to Oba Adetunji, students of history may wish to be reminded that when some people during the period under reference chose to engage in territorial expansion to the sea, it took the Ibadan army under Balogun Oderinlo to repel the attack and stop the incursion near Osogbo.
The monarch urged the people to remain calm and law abiding, stressing that truth will prevail.