How Litigation Affects Yorubaland Monarch Selection – Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Lekan Balogun on Tuesday elucidated the recurring occurrence of legal disputes following the appointment of monarchs in specific Yorubaland regions.

He stated this during a press conference held at his Alarere residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of the festivities commemorating his 81st birthday.

Balogun said, “As long as the people who are saddling with the responsibility of electing or selecting kings are failing in their traditional function, the aggrieved candidate(s) will always seek redress in court.

“Litigation is a function of democracy. It will not end as long as injustice remains in selection of monarchs in Yorubaland. It remains a checkpoint for injustice.”

On the alleged face-off between the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state, the monarch, who described Obasanjo as respected of traditional rulers in Nigeria, said the issue was blown out of proportion.

He said, “Obasanjo is my brother and friend. We have been together for long. He is not disrespectful as being alleged. He is a respecter of traditional stool. What happened on the said day when Obasanjo was backing out of order at members of Council of Obas and Chiefs at a function in Iseyin is quite unfortunate. Both sides didn’t expect the way the media turned it to,” he explained.

Speaking on his birthday anniversary, the paramount ruler, who was full of praises to God, said there was nothing he asked God that He had never done for him.