Makinde finally withdraws crowns from 21 Ibadan ‘kings’ elevated by Ajimobi ▷ Nigeria news
– Ibadan high chiefs elevated to the status of kings have finally bowed to the Olubadan
– The 21 high chiefs were elevated by the former governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi, in 2017
– Governor Makinde, however, withdrew their crowns on Tuesday, November 19, to ensure peace reigned in the state
An end was, on Tuesday, November 19, put to the reign of 21 Ibadan high chiefs, who were elevated to the status of kings by the immediate past governor of Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi, by the state government.
Premium Times reports that the crises between the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Saliu Adetunji, and the high chiefs was laid to rest when Governor Seyi Makinde withdrew their crowns as part of the condition to settle out of court.
Legit.ng gathered that the Olubadan and some of his chiefs, among whom are the Otun Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, Balogun of Ibadan land, Owolabi Olakulehin and others who were also members of the Olubadan-in-council had in the last two years been engaged in a conflict.
It was gathered that the crisis reached its peak in August 2017 when Ajimobi, presented staffs of office to about 21 chiefs who were promoted to the status of kings.
According to the report, efforts by eminent personalities, indigenes of Ibadan, clubs and societies in the ancient city including former president Olusegun Obasanjo, to wade into the conflict in the past, had proved abortive.
It was gathered that the Court of Appeal in Ibadan had on August 23, referred parties in the controversial coronation to a lower court.
Makinde opted for an out-of-court settlement to restore peace between the Olubadan and his estranged chiefs.
The appellate court ordered that the case be returned for trial before another judge of the state high court.
It was learnt that the parties reached agreement on Tuesday, November 19, when the state high court in a suit number M/317/2017 filed by Rashidi Ladoja pronounced that the parties in the suit have met and agreed.
According to the judgement read by Justice A. Aderemi: “That all the gazettes affecting the chieftaincy laws of Ibadan land particularly gazette Nos 14 vol. 42 of 23rd August 2017; 15 Vol 42of 24 August 2017 and 3vol 43 of 29th March 2018 and the subsequent elevation of High Chiefs and Baale in Ibadan land as Obas during the pendency of this suit be and are hereby set aside.
“That the right to wear beaded crown and coronet granted by the state government during the pendency of the suit, are hereby revoked. That the 1st defendant shall take steps to reconcile all parties involved in the chieftaincy matters to foster unity and harmony in the protection of the tradition of Ibadan land as relates to the chieftaincy laws of Ibadan land.”
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo state, struck out a motion filed by Rashidi Ladoja which challenged Ajimobi’s powers to elevate the high chiefs.