CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE POST-COLONIAL CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION IN IBADAN, 1960-2020

Abstract

Chieftaincy institution has a symbolic effect in underscoring the legitimacy of leadership and governance at the local and state levels and it is significant in defining territoriality, nationality, citizenship and the extent of inclusion and exclusion in Ibadan. This paper examines the continuity and change in the chieftaincy institution in Ibadan since 1960 to 2020 with a view to bringing out the uniqueness of the institution. The chieftaincy system of Ibadan from inception has been the ascendancy of governance which recognized the paramount chief as Baale, until it was amended in 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration Law which made the chief have the staff of office and become the beaded crown Oba since 1936. Chieftaincy institution in Ibadan is tied to seniority, governance, peace, and security; this has resulted in continuity, in governance and in the reforms that have taken place in the institution based on communal understanding of social peace, diplomacy, democratic justice, and equity among the ruling communities. The historical method was used to analyze the data which were derived through primary and secondary sources. Findings of the study show that the system has undergone significant democratic changes since 1960, in form of systematic and linear promotion from one step to the other as a social rule and respect for human rights. The paper concludes that the Ibadan Chieftaincy Institution faces a major significant challenge of installing very old people on the throne, but with adaptation, innovation and community engagement, the chieftaincy institution can continue to play vital roles in people’s cultural and social life. Therefore, it is recommended that chieftaincy institution should continue and be more dynamic in view of modern day realities.