Babaloja crisis: Ibadan Joint Traders suspends Oladepo for character assassination
Members of the Ibadan Joint Traders Association have announced the suspension of the association’s president, Alhaji Dauda Oladepo for assassinating the character of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1.
The suspension was the outcome of a peace meeting summoned by members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Friday at the Popoyemoja Palace where it was hope that there will be an end to the crisis rocking the association.
It would be recalled that crisis broke out at meeting of the association on Wednesday 28th October, 2020 and Oladepo alleged that he was attacked by some hoodlums sent from Olubadan Palace. He was also quoted in an online media report that one Ibadan high chief in person of Chief Amidu Ajibade once incite some members of the association to remove him from office.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary of Ibadan Joint Traders Association, Malam Kamilu Ariyo accused the embattled president of high handedness, corruption and forgery . He presented some papers where the former president misappropriated the association funds. He alleged that the State Government gave a loan of N15 million to traders but none of the members benefitted from it.
While briefing the sitting, Personal Assistant to the Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko said Oladepo was invited to a meeting on Wednesday but gave an excuse and that was why another meeting was scheduled for Friday but he refused to attend. He told the gathering that Oladepo used a number to called him on Wednesday informing him that he will be available on Friday but it was unfortunate that he refused to live up to his word.
Members presents at the meeting however announced the suspension of Alhaji Dauda Oladepo from the association and was also removed as the president. They however informed the high chiefs in attendance that they will soon present a replacement to the Olubadan-in-Council for ratification.
Speaking on behalf of Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Amidu Ajibade pointed that Oladepo have committed the same offence that removed the former Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs Labake Lawal. He however said since Olubadan and his chiefs are not traders and not interested in the internal affairs of their association. Whatever they decided is what the Olubadan and his council will abide by but he enjoin them to seek peace in whatever decision they want to take.
Present at the meeting were Asipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Asipa Balogun, High Chief Kola Adegbola; Eekarun-un Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade; Aare Onibon Balogun, Chief Nureni Akanbi; Ajia Olubadan, Chief Wasiu Aderoju Alaadorin and Mogaji Okiti Aresa, Chief Adesina Kolawole Olatunji-Aresa
