A new dimension has been introduced into the succession to the throne of the age-long Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Oyo State government under the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi .

Conveyed in a letter by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Z. O Jayeola, which was addressed to the Head of the Ibadan South East Local Government administration last Thursday , state government directed high chiefs jostling to occupy the vacant stools of Balogun and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and seven others to submit a medical report certifying them fit for the positions in line with extant chieftaincy laws.

In strict compliance with the Chiefs Law of the state, the Ministry said it had set machinery in motion to obtain the approval of the governor for the filling of the vacant tools following a November 30 letter by the Ibadan South East LG on the subject matter.

The statement reads, “In line with Section 14 (2) Cap 28 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, our ministry has commenced necessary steps towards the executive governor’s approval of the filling of the vacant stools of Balogun and Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land and seven others.

“In compliance with the dictates of the aforementioned law, the office of the Department of State Services had been requested to carry out security checks on the prospective occupants of the stools.

“In the same vein you are requested to advise the affected chiefs to submit their medical reports issued by a state-owned secondary health institution to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters as part of requirements for being considered for the vacant stools.”

It will be recalled that the stools of Balogun and that of Otun Olubadan became vacant as a result of their demise after a brief illness respectively .