Seriki chiefs move to stop installation of Olubadan-Designate

Chief Adebayo Oyediji, the head of Seriki Chiefs in Ibadan, on Sunday said an application had been filed on commital proceedings against the Olubadan-designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, following alleged contempt of court.

He claimed that an interlocutory injunction had been granted on Nov. 21, 2008 by Justice M.O. Ishola in a suit with number 1/421/07.

Quoting the documents, he said an order of interlocutory injunction was granted `` restraining the fourth to ninth defendants from presenting themselves for selection, appointment, promotion or filling of any vacancy now existing or that may later exist.’’

"The positions are the Ekerin Olubadan; Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Otun Olubadan and the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy,

pending the hearing and final determination of the originating summons filed by the plaintiffs/applicants in this suit,’’ he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyediji had applied for Form 48 through his counsel, A.G. Adeniran, on Feb. 23, 2016, through a letter addressed to the Senior Registrar, High Court of Justice Registry, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The letter was dated Feb. 22 and entitled: "Re Suit No: 1/421/07 Chief Adebayo Oyediji & ORS vs His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Lana & ORS.’’

Oyediji, 89, said that he took what he described as an unfriendly option because he had no other option.

He said he owed no grudge against anyone, adding that the rule of law was sacrosanct irrespective of anyone.

"There was a motion in 2008 to stop the installation or promotion of chiefs, but the case had been adjourned more than 50 times and now we've been pushed to the wall,” he said.

In the letter that accompanied the copy of the motion on notice and a photocopy of the request form of request, Adeniran said Adetunji disregarded the order of the court by presenting himself for coronation on Friday.

The suit had the plaintiffs as Chief Adebayo Oyediji, Oyesola Oyeranmi, Olalekan Adisa Fakunle, Ganiyu Oduola Sagade and Rasidi Abinupagun.

Others are Gabriel Kofoworola Amoo and Yisau Olanrewaju Ajibike, acting for themselves and on behalf of Seriki Chiefs of Ibadanland.

The defendants are the Governor of Oyo State, Attorney-General of Oyo State, Oba Samuel Lana (added by order of court made on 14 of Jan. 2008).

Lana was added to represent himself and on behalf of (1) all chiefs in the Olubadan and Balogun lines and (2) for himself and on behalf of the other members of the Ibadan South-East Local Government Chieftaincy Committee.

Others defendants are Chiefs Musa Omowale Kuye, Lati Omotosho, Sule Omiyale, Adeleke Ajani, Saliu Adetunji and Busari Alarape.

Adeniran said that "with absolute disregard for the said orders of the Honourable Court, Adetunji, who is the eight defendant, was bound by the third and fourth legs of the orders of injunction.

"With absolute disregard for the said orders of the Honourable Court, Adetunji has presented himself to the purported kingmakers of the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy and the governor of Oyo State for appointment as the Olubadan of Ibadan.’’

NAN reports that the coronation of the new Olubadan has, however, been fixed for Friday.