Ex-Governor of Oyo State who also doubles as the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has reacted to the Friday’s judgement which declared the panel set up by Oyo State government to review the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration as illegal.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi had in August last year promoted 8 High Chiefs in Ibadan and 13 Bales to the status of Oba following recommendation by the Justice Boade commission of Enquiry.
Ladoja while reacting to the court judgement on Friday, described it as a victory for Ibadan sons and daughters.
Ladoja in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, a copy of which was obtained by DAILY POST, however declared that the victory was not a personal one for him.
He said that what motivated the suit he filed was the need to preserve the globally cherished custom and tradition of Olubadan throne system.
Ladoja also advised the 21 Obas to desist from wearing “their beaded coronets or crowns in obedience to the judgment,” warning that there were provisions of dire consequences for anyone wearing a crown or coronet without being an Oba.
Ladoja said in the statement “The judgment has vindicated us as purists who abhor any contamination of a rancor-free succession process that has become the envy of many cities all over the world. I do not in any way see it as a personal victory.
“The Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration was made in 1957 and registered with the then Western Region government. It was made by a chieftaincy committee headed by the then Olubadan, Oba I.B Akinyele.
“If in compliance with the extant laws at that time, the Western Region government saddled the then Olubadan-headed committee with making the Declaration, why would the state government in 2017 raise a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to do same?
“We agree totally with the court that the Commission lacked the power to review the Declaration. I commend the Olubadan for standing to be counted on the side of truth and justice. History has obviously booked an enviable chapter for him”.
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