The coast is getting clearer for the coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja Tuesday withdrew the suit filed against Olubadan-in-Council. The withdrawal was confirmed by one of the aides to Otun Olubadan, Mr. Adeola Oloko said the case has been withdrawn from the Court.
Oloko noted that counsel to the litigant will tomorrow approach the court for enrollment order after which the defendants will 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He said, “Baba has withdrawn the case filed against the Olubadan-in-Council from the Court.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 the Governor Makinde to approve the nomination of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.”
Ladoja had gone to Court over an alleged threat to his kingship ambition by other members of the Council, following his refusal to be enthroned as Oba as parts of elevation of the High Chiefs by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The lawsuit had impeded the coronation of Olakulehin whose nomination as the next monarch is awaiting approval of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Efforts to make both parties, Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council reach a compromise on signing an agreement earlier did not yield result as the defendants in the suit, Olubadan-in-Council had insisted that there is no need for signing any agreement for out of court settlement since they have abided with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration.
It would be recall that Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe who spoke on behalf of other members of the Council at the end of their meeting held at Oja’ba recently said since they have complied with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration there is no need to sign any documents.
He had insisted that what was left for the enthronement of Oba Olakulehin was for High Chief Ladoja to withdraw the suit filed against members of the Council.
