Oyo State Government has ordered newly-promoted chiefs in the Olubadan chieftaincy lines to revert to their old positions within 48 hours.

The government, in a letter signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Zaccheaus Jayeola, described the promotion as illegal.

Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, promoted the chiefs on January 1, at his Monatan palace. This was done a day after the government said the concerned chiefs must submit their medical reports, obtained from recognised hospitals. But, Jayeola said the government, under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi “observed with dismay and utter disappointment the recent ‘elevation’ of nine Ibadan high chiefs by the Olubadan-in-Council without the mandatory approval of the government. Apparently, the actions taken on the elevation of the chiefs as widely publicised is illegal. Moreso, when the Olubadan as the consenting authority had already commenced the due process by seeking the approval of the governor for the appointment/elevation as prescribed by law…”

Copies of the letter were sent to the state Commissioner of Police, the Director, Department of Security Services, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Oyo State. (Daily Sun)

•Photo shows Oyo Governor, Senator Isiaka Ajumobi.