The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has issued a compelling call for the nation’s judiciary to undertake a significant self-reform aimed at accelerating the trial and disposal of cases.
Oba Ladoja emphasised that such measures are crucial not only for decongesting courts and prisons but, more importantly, for ensuring that litigants are not deprived of timely justice due to protracted legal proceedings.
He pronounced this during a courtesy visit from foremost legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to the Olubadan palace on Tuesday. The respected monarch lamented the current situation where cases, often resolvable within a single sitting, are subjected to incessant adjournments.
The monarch noted that this delay is frequently exploited by some litigants to their own advantage, leading to despair and potential denial of justice for those seeking legal recourse.
There’s a saying that it’s during hardship that you know who your friends are,” the Olubadan remarked, reflecting on his past legal battles. “Wole was there for me. He is not just a lawyer, but a psychologist, a believer and a man of faith.”
He expressed gratitude to Chief Olanipekun for his representation during the legal challenge against his “illegal impeachment and removal from office,” praising the Senior Advocate’s genius, forthrightness, and devoutness, which he said were on full display during the saga and other landmark cases.
In a separate but related address, Chief Olanipekun urged Oba Ladoja to embrace a leadership role in fostering direction and unity among Yoruba obas.
The legal luminary highlighted that Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the imperial throne of Ibadanland, combined with his age, status, accomplishments as a former senator and state governor, and Ibadan’s historical role in repelling Fulani incursions into Yorubaland, positions him uniquely to rally traditional rulers in the South West.
Olanipekun suggested that this leadership would be instrumental for the unity and development of the Yoruba geo-political zone, particularly given that many of these monarchs are youths.
Furthermore, Chief Olanipekun urged the monarch to leverage his extensive experience as a former governor, senator, and entrepreneur for the betterment of the traditional institution across the region.
Chief Olanipekun described Oba Ladoja as a “leading figure among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland,”underscoring the historical significance of Ibadan and its crucial role in “wading off the invasion of the Fulani Jihadists.
“Ibadan remains the political capital of Yorubaland. We can’t change history,” Chief Olanipekun stated, underscoring the significance of Oba Ladoja’s position. “And with your unique pedigree as a former senator and governor, you are clearly a leader and it’s not by accident that you are here now.”
He commended the Olubadan’s courage and leadership, recalling his impeachment case as one that “redefined our jurisprudence” and acted as a liberator by halting the “reckless penchant to illegally remove governors.”
Oba Ladoja reiterated his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Ibadanland and leveraging his position for its growth.
He spoke of his conviction that his survival through past travails and his current role on the throne are divinely ordained for service. To this end, he revealed that the newly constituted Economic and Investment Committee is aimed at freeing the native administration from “hopeless dependence” and enabling it to pursue developmental initiatives independently.
Acknowledging the limitations of the Olubadan office under the present constitutional framework, which vests significant power and financial control with the government, Oba Ladoja expressed his determination to lay the groundwork for empowering the stool, even if the full realization of this vision occurs during his successors’ reign.
Chief Olanipekun, in his congratulatory remarks, lauded Oba Ladoja’s enduring simplicity, humility, and affectionate warmth despite his unique journey from a “kingmaker” to a monarch, mirroring the current President.
He prayed for the Olubadan’s good health, peaceful, and progressive reign, presenting him with a gift. The gathering also included other esteemed academics and practicing lawyers, underscoring the significance of the discussions.
