The enthronement process of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, got another boost on Tuesday as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja withdrew the suit filed against the Olubadan-in-Council.
By implications, the move further clears the coast for Oba Olakulehin to ascend the throne of his forbears in Ibadanland.
NewMailNG reports that Ladoja had gone to court over an alleged threat to his kingship ambition by other members of the Council, following his refusal to be enthroned as Oba as part of the elevation ofbthe High Chiefs by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The lawsuit had impeded the coronation of Olakulehin whose nomination as the next monarch is awaiting approval of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Efforts to make both parties, Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council, reach a compromise on signing an agreement earlier did not yield result, as the defendants in the suit, Olubadan-in-Council, had insisted that there was no need to signing any agreement for out-of-court settlement since they had abided by the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration.
It would be recalled that Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe who spoke on behalf of other members of the Council at the end of their meeting held at Oja’ba recently said since they have complied with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration, there is no need to sign any documents.
Confirming the development, one of the aides to Ladoja, Adeola Oloko said the case has been withdrawn from the Court.
Oloko noted that counsel for the litigant will tomorrow approach the court for an enrollment order, after which the defendants will be served with the case withdrawal notice.
He said, “Baba has withdrawn the case filed against the Olubadan-in-Council from the Court. This will facilitate the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Ladoja has lived up to his promise to the people of Ibadanland to withdraw the case from the court.
“There is no longer any delay from his end. What is next now is for Governor Makinde to approve the nomination of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.”