The presidency has apologised to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, , his council of chiefs and the entire people of Ibadanland and offered explanations as to why he didn’t stop to pay homage to the monarch when he visited top royals in the South-West over the weekend.
A statement released by the Olubadanon Wednesday had accused the President and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi of igniting ember of discord by disrespect the traditional stool of the Olubadan.
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However, a statement by The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, explained that Jonathan had agreed to visit the Olubadan in his future schedules, adding that not calling on him on the last visit was not intended to slight the traditional institution which he holds in high esteem.
Abati, who made reference to the statement noted that Olubadan, in that statement, was alleged to have accused the president of disregarding the Olubadan stool, by passing through Ibadan without stopping by to see the Olubadan and then went on to Oyo to see the Alafin of Oyo.
While briefing state house correspondents, Abati said “Let me use this opportunity to make it clear that the President holds Olubadan, people of Ibadan and people of Oyo State and the people of the South West in general in very high esteem.
“He considers the Olubadan as father and a great Nigerian and has enjoyed excellent relationship with Olubadan, the people of Ibadan, people of Oyo State and the people of South West. And that indeed, since he assumed office, has been to the palace of Olubadan to pay homage.”
While explaining the circumstances why visit to the Olubadan was not in the itinerary of President Jonathan, he said, “But on this particular occasion, it happened that the schedule of the President indicated that he has at least two trips to Ibadan within the first quarter of the year.
“He will be in Ibadan for the PDP South West rally and he is scheduled to visit and pay homage to the Olubadan. The Olubadan will be celebrating his 100 years birthday in April and the President has been previously scheduled to visit him.
“So for these reasons you can see very clearly that there was no intention to ignore the Olubadan’s palace to pay homage to him. And in due course, the President will be in Ibadan.
“The President will like to express his good wishes to the Olubadan that he holds him, the people of Ibadan, people of the state and people of the South West in high esteem and will not do anything that will distract the excellent relationship that he has with the Olubadan and that he will continue to enjoy that with the people of the South West,” Abati reiterated.