Appeal Court strikes out motion setting aside gazette on approval of 48 traditional rulers in Oyo

THE Court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, struck out a motion filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja, challenging the powers of the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to gazette and approve “beaded crowns and coronets” for 48 traditional rulers across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Governor Ajimobi appealed the January 20, 2018 decision of Justice Olajumoke Aiki of the state High Court, which set aside recommendation of a committee of inquiry on the review of the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration, which recommended crowning of 21 new Obas in Ibadanland.

The three-man panel of judges, headed by Justice Nonyerem Okoronkwo, held that the thrust of the relief sought was invoking the court to set aside the gazette which approved the crowing of the traditional rulers.

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The court, which has Justice A. Talba and Justice F. Ojo as members, held that the gazette, which the motion sought the court to set aside, was not the subject matter at the lower court.

Okoronkwo said dealing with such issue at this point may involve dwelling into the main appeal.

“We refuse to entertain the issue and urged the appellant to incorporate it in the main appeal and the motion is, hereby, strike out,” Okoronkwo said.

The judge adjourned the matter till May 27 for hearing of the main appeal.

NAN reported that Governor Ajimobi set up a commission of inquiry headed by Justice Akintunde Boade, to review the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration and to make recommendation.

The Osi Olubadan, Senator Ladoja, went to the state High Court to challenge the composition of the committee, and to set aside their report, and the lower court granted his request on January 20, 2018.

NAN reported that the governor, on April 26, 2018, after the court ruling, approved the beaded crowns and coronet for 48 Obas across the state, including Ibadan’s recently-crowned 21 Obas and other traditional rulers.

NAN reported that the governor gazetted the approval in line with section 28 (1) of the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State and with this gazette, 26 Obas would wear beaded crowns, while 22 would wear coronet.