Strong indications emerged Wednesday that the 21 kings installed by former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration two years ago may drop their crowns soon.
Ajimobi had amidst controversy, handed the instruments of office to the 21 kings in August 27, 2017 at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The decision was sequel the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadan land.
The review was done by a panel headed by Justice Akintunde Boade, culminating in the elevation and crowning of the 21 kings, including the Olubadan high chiefs and baales.
It was reliably learnt Wednesday that the state government has opted for out-of-court settlement and discontinuation with the prosecution of the appeal before the Court of Appeal.
The terms of the settlement between the state government (appellant) and Senator Rashidi Ladoja (respondent/applicant) was filed in the Registry of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan on Tuesday, August 20.
The terms of the agreement are in respect of the suit No. M/317/2017 and Appeal No. CA/99&99A/2018.
The parties gave reasons why they wanted the out-of-court settlement as follow:
- The parties herein are aware of the rancour and acrimony that exist upon the publication of the report of the 2nd respondent herein in relation to the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy declaration and other chiefs in Ibadanland and the implementation of the said report;
- The parties are aware of the disharmony created by the publication of Gazette No. 3 Vol. 43 dated March 29, 2018, and the subsequent elevation of chiefs in Ibadan among the chiefs and the Olubadan of Ibadanland;
- It is of utmost importance to maintain peace and communal relationships that had existed before the said report and Gazette in Ibadanland; and
- The new administration of Oyo State stands upon the doctrine of rule of law.
They, therefore, opted for an out-of-court settlement and discontinuing the prosecution of the appeal before the Court of Appeal.
