Former Oyo Governor Challenges Elevation of Ibadan High Chiefs to Obas in Court

In a legal move that has captured attention, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, has initiated a lawsuit against the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. The lawsuit concerns the recent elevation of ten Ibadan High Chiefs to the status of Obas, adorned with beaded crowns. Ladoja has also included the newly-elevated Obas as defendants in the case.

The decision by Makinde to elevate the Ibadan High Chiefs to Obas, as recommended by the Olubadan, was reported exclusively on June 22.

Additionally, last Friday, the governor presented the Staff of Office to the new Obas.
Expressing his stance, the former Oyo governor clarified that his sole interest lies in becoming the Olubadan. He firmly believes that the divine choice of the Oba in Ibadan is determined by God.

This legal battle follows Ladoja’s previous court dispute with Makinde’s predecessor, the late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, who similarly elevated certain chiefs and baales to the status of Obas in 2017. Ladoja emerged victorious in that case, which carried over into Makinde’s first term. Notably, Makinde chose not to appeal the ruling, and subsequently, the high chiefs relinquished their crowns, thereby paving the way for the present Olubadan’s emergence.