High Chiefs Agree To Withdraw Suit For New Olubadan’s Emergence

Members of the Olubadan-in-Council have agreed to withdraw the court case cited as an impediment to the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.

The High Chiefs took the decision at their meeting at the Olubadan palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan.

The latest decision has cleared the way for the formal announcement and enthronement of Otun Olubadan Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadan land.

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

He said the process of withdrawing the case had commenced, stressing that due process would be followed when asked about when the process would be concluded.

He said: “The case was adjourned to the 1st of February this year and whatever happens, we would have to get to the court before the withdrawal can take place.”

Recall Tuesday’s meeting was informed by the agreement, which the High Chiefs reached with Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday that all parties would do whatever necessary to ensure the selection and enthronement of the next Olubadan are smooth.

The High Chiefs, who became Royal Majesties and Baales who were elevated to coronet-wearing Obas by the 2017 review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, filed separate suits challenging a consent judgment obtained on the suit challenging their elevation.

They argued that the consent judgment was obtained without their participation, stressing that their fate could not have been decided behind them.

The elevated Baales have scheduled their meeting to Thursday during which they will also review the current situation of things on the succession process and take a position.

They have indicated that the High Chiefs’ decision to withdraw their own case did not affect their own suit in any way since they are separate suits.

Barely 24 hours after the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Micheal Lana, had written Governor Makinde, warning him against approving the expected nomination of Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan given the suit filed by the High Chiefs.

He highlighted that the suit constituted an encumbrance on the selection and enthroning process, stressing that only withdrawal of the suit can pave the way for a smooth succession process.