8th May 2024
Olakulehin’s installation in top gear
The installation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, got another boost yesterday as the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, withdrew his suit against the Olubadan-in-Council.
This move further clears the coast for Oba Olakulehin to ascend the throne.
Chief Ladoja had gone to court over an alleged threat to his kingship ambition by other members of the council, following his refusal to be crowned a king during the elevation of high chiefs by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The lawsuit had impeded Olakulehin’s coronation whose nomination as the next monarch awaits Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval.
Earlier efforts to make both parties – Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council – reach a compromise failed as the defendants insisted there was no need to sign any agreement for out-of-court settlement, since they had abided with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.
Recall that the Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe, who spoke on behalf of other members of the council at the end of their recent meeting at Oja’ba, said since they had complied with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, there was no need to sign any document.
He insisted that the only thing left was for Ladoja to withdraw his suit to pave the way for Oba Olakulehin’s installation.
Ladoja’s aide, Adeola Oloko, who confirmed the development, said the case has been withdrawn from court.
Oloko noted that counsel to the litigant would today approach the court for enrolment order after which the defendants would be served with the case withdrawal notice.
He said: “Baba has withdrawn the case filed against the Olubadan-in-Council from the court. This will facilitate the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Ladoja has lived up to his promise to the people of Ibadanland to withdraw the case from the court. There is no longer any delay from his end. What is next now is for Governor Makinde to approve the nomination of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.”
