Olubadan: High Chiefs to Withdraw Suit

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

An end may have come to the crisis over the selection of new Olubadan of Ibadanland as members of the Olubadan-in-Council, yesterday, agreed to withdraw the court case that has been cited as an impediment.

The kingmakers took the decision at their meeting held at the Olubadan’s palace, Oja’ba,Ibadan.

This development has, however, paved the way for the formal announcement and enthronement of the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who addressed journalists, after the two-hour meeting, said the High Chiefs had agreed with the governor to withdraw the suit in court.

He added the process of withdrawing the case has commenced, stressing also that due process would be followed.

According to him, “The case was adjourned to the first of February this year and whatever happens, we would have to get to the court before the withdrawal to take place.”

The meeting held yesterday was informed by the agreement, which the High Chiefs reached with Governor Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, that all parties should do whatever necessary to ensure the smooth selection and enthronement of the next Olubadan.

The High Chiefs, who became Royal Majesties and Baales after their elevation to coronet-wearing Obas by the 2017 review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, had filed separate suits challenging their elevation.

The elevated baales had scheduled their own meeting for Thursday, during which they wouldalso review the current situation of things on the succession process and take a position. They have also indicated that the high chiefs’ decision to withdraw their case did not affect their own suit in any way since they were separate suits.

But, barely barely 24 hours after the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Micheal Lana, had written a letter to Makinde, warning him against approving the expected nomination of Balogun as the next Olubadan, given the suit filed by the high chiefs.

He explained that the suit constituted an encumbrance to the selection and enthroning process, stressing that only withdrawal of the suit could pave the way for a smooth succession process.

Related Articles