Olubadan: I paid N170,000 for Seriki elevation, says Oyediji

The controversy over the succession of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, became messier on Saturday when Head of the Seriki line in Ibadan, Chief Adebayo Oyediji, alleged that he paid the sum of N170,000 to the late paramount ruler to be promoted from the Osi Seriki to Seriki Olubadan but was denied the opportunity to be elevated.

Personal Assistant to the late Olubadan, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, however dismissed Oyediji’s payment claim on Saturday.

Oyediji is laying claim to the throne of the Olubadan after the death of Oba Odulana on Tuesday, despite the pronouncement of the Olubadan-in-Council that Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Saliu Adetunji is the next Olubadan.

Oyediji had alleged that the last Otun Seriki, Chief Adisa Akinloye, was denied the opportunity to become Olubadan before he died in 2007, stressing that Seriki family was the third line in the Olubadan succession system.