The enthronement of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has taken an intriguing twist. The Otun Olubadan and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, along with other kingmakers, are currently at odds over the signing of terms of settlement to facilitate the enthronement process.
Ladoja expressed his willingness to withdraw the lawsuit he initiated against other members of the Olubadan-in-Council. However, he set a condition: both parties must sign the terms of settlement as prepared.
He made this announcement at his Bodija residence while hosting the visiting Compound Heads of Ibadanland (Mogaji) led by Chief Asimiyu Ariori.
Ladoja stated that once everyone has signed the agreement, he would also sign his part, and they could then file for the withdrawal of the case from court.
“Myself and other members of Olubadan-in-Council have been sitting together and talking. We have accepted to withdrawal the case.
“I heard that they have started signing the agreement. After all of them have signed, I will also sign my own aspect, and the next day, we will file for withdrawal of the case from court” he said
Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council and defendants in the suit disagree with Ladoja’s stance.
They argue that there is no need for a separate terms-of-settlement paper. According to them, they have already abided by the 1957 Declaration, which governs the chieftaincy affairs.
At a meeting held at Oja’ba Palace, several key kingmakers, including Osi Balogun, Asipa Olubadan, Asipa Balogun, Ekerin Balogun, and Ekaarun Olubadan, emphasized their adherence to the 1957 Declaration.
They believe that their actions align with the provisions of the declaration, and therefore, signing additional terms of settlement is unnecessary.
Notably, Ladoja and some other kingmakers were absent from the meeting.
The absent kingmakers included Osi Olubadan, Otun Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan, and Ekaarun Balogun.
Their absence further complicates the situation and highlights the differing perspectives within the Olubadan-in-Council.
