The crisis between the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and his High Chiefs was put to rest on Tuesday when Oyo State government withdrew the crowns of the High Chiefs as part of the condition to settle out of court.
DAILY POST recalls that the Olubadan and some of his High Chiefs, among whom are the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin and others who are also members of the Olubadan-In-Council, had in the last two years been running a mouse and cat relationship.
The crisis reached its peak in August 2017 when the immediate past Governor, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi presented staff of offices to some High Chiefs and Baales numbering twenty one (21) who have been promoted to the status of Kings.
Eminent personalities, indigenes of Ibadan, clubs and societies in the ancient city including former President Olusegun Obasanjo had since then been appealing to the two camps to sheath their swords.
The crisis was, however, put to rest on Tuesday when Ajimobi’s successor, Mr. Seyi Makinde withdrew the crowns of the new promoted Kings as part of the condition to settle out of court.
It was gathered that the Court of Appeal in Ibadan had on August 23 this year referred parties in the controversial coronation of 21 kings by Ajimobi to a lower court.
Makinde, who inherited the matter, had 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.
But, the parties reached agreement on Tuesday when the state High Court in a suit number M/317/2017 filed by High Chief Rashidi Ladoja pronounced that the parties in the suit have met and agreed.
The judgement read by Justice A. Aderemi reads; “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”.
