Court sacks Ajimobi’s ‘monarchs’, declares Committee on Review of Olubadan Chieftaincy Law illegal

0
622

 Ajimobi had on May 19, 2017,  set up the commission  headed by retired Justice Akintunde Boade  to review the  1957 chieftaincy declaration  and other related chieftaincies in Ibadan.

The commission  submitted its report to the governor on August 18, 2017,  recommending  32 beaded-crown Obas in Ibadan while the Olubadan would remain as  paramount ruler of Ibadanland.

But former governor of the state and Osi  Olubadan of Ibadanland,  Sen. Rashidi  Ladoja, sued Ajimobi  and Boade, claiming that the composition of the committee would affect his ambition of becoming the Olubadan.

Delivering judgement, Justice Olajumoke Aiki said Sections  10, 12 and  25 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law do  not empower   the governor to set up the committee.

Aiki also said that the governor cannot delegate power on what he does not possess.

“ Wearing of beaded crown is outside Sections  10, 12 and 25 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law.

“ The procedures  of part 2 and 3 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law under Sections  10, 12 and 25 do not empower the governor to set up any commission of inquiry to review the 1957  Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

“ All powers,  be it legislative or  judicial,  must be traced  to the validity of the constitution.

“ The governor of Oyo State exercised   his power outside the power conferred  on him by the chiefs law and I declare the exercise as unconstitutional and illegal,’’ the judge said.

Aiki restrained the governor from accepting and implementing the report of the committee.

Counsel to Ajimobi, Mr Nurudeen Adegboye, said after the court session that the decision to appeal the judgement rests with his client.

But counsel to Ladoja,  Mr Babatunde Akinola, commended the judge, saying the judgement was well  delivered.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here