IBADAN, Nigeria — The Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has taken legal action against Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, and ten newly elevated beaded crown-wearing Obas over the recent chieftaincy title changes.
The case was filed in the Oyo State High Court last Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Governor Makinde had on Thursday, June 22, 2023, given his approval for the elevation of these chiefs to Obas.
This decision came after the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who holds the prescribed and consenting authority.
Just last Friday, Governor Makinde presented the Staff of Office to the newly anointed Obas.
The ten new Obas are Owolabi Olakulehin; Tajudeen Ajibola; Eddy Oyewole; Lateef Adebimpe; Biodun Kola-Daisi; Kola Adegbola; Hamidu Ajibade; Olubunmi Isioye; Bayo Akande, and Abiodun Azeez.
Ladoja, who had earlier rejected the elevation, was noticeably absent from the ceremony.
His decision to pursue legal action suggests a significant disagreement over the recent changes to the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland.
The legal action filed by Ladoja challenges the legitimacy of the new Obas and their authority within the traditional leadership structure.
It’s a move that is likely to stoke political tension and initiate a robust debate over the appropriateness and legality of such elevations.
The case is yet to be assigned a hearing date, but it has already drawn attention to the complexities of chieftaincy politics in Nigeria’s traditional structures.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for future disputes of this nature.
