In a significant development from Ibadan, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has invalidated the title of Sarkin Sasa in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring it unrecognized under the Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy Law. The announcement came during a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council on Monday at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The controversy stems from the recent passing of the previous Sarkin Sasa, who served as the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers across the 17 Southern States of Nigeria. Following his death, his son, Ahmed Haruna, known as Ciroma, was swiftly nominated as the new Sarkin Sasa by the family and the traditional councils of the southern states. However, this decision was made without the approval of the Olubadan, prompting the monarch’s firm response.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Gbenga Ayoade, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, the monarch clarified that Chief Akinade Ajani Amusa is the officially recognized Baale of Sasa land in Akinyele Local Area and the accredited representative of the Olubadan. The statement emphasized that all individuals and groups in Sasa land fall under the authority of Chief Akinade Ajani, urging the community to respect his leadership.
The Olubadan warned that any defiance of the Baale’s directives would be viewed as a direct challenge to the Olubadan stool and would face severe consequences.