Sarkin Sasa Title Not Recognized by Ibadan Chieftaincy Law — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has declared the title of Sarkin Sasa in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State as null and void, stating that it is not recognized by the Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy Law.

The Olubadan made this declaration on Monday during the Olubadan-In-Council meeting at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The last holder of the Sarkin Sasa title, the late Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, was the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria. After his death, his son, Ahmed Haruna (Ciroma), was nominated by the family and the traditional councils of the 17 Southern States to succeed him. However, the succession did not receive the consent of the Olubadan, a key requirement according to Ibadan traditional law.

In response, Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, issued a statement on Tuesday affirming Chief Akinade Ajani Amusa as the legitimate Baale of Sasa land and the recognized representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The statement further clarified that all individuals or groups in Sasa land are under the authority of Chief Amusa. “Let it be noted that any individual or group of persons in Sasa land are under the authority of the Baale of Sasa land, Akinade Ajani. It is therefore imperative to accord him the appropriate respect and authority,” the statement read.

Additionally, the statement warned that any defiance of Chief Amusa’s authority would be viewed as a challenge to the Olubadan stool and would be met with serious sanctions.

“Any disobedience to his directive will be met with serious sanctions as it will be considered an affront to the Olubadan stool,” the statement concluded.