A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN has urged the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja to ensure unity among traditional rulers in the region.
Olanipekun, who made the submission when he visited the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo palace, Ibadan on Tuesday, advocated for unified identity among the traditional rulers in the southwest region.
The Ikere-Ekiti born legal luminary, added that the traditional rulers can only advance the course of the region with unity and purposeful leadership by bringing his wealth of experience as seasoned administrator and foremost traditional ruler to bear.
“I want to passionately plead with your royal majesty to please at this point in the history of traditional institutions in the region to bring to bear, your wealth of experience as a former governor, a senator and a successful businessman and an entrepreneur.
“There is no doubting the fact that you are a leading figure among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland, unless we are not ready to tell ourselves the truth.
“History of the ancient town and the role that it played in wading off the invasion of the Fulani Jihadist. It is of note how Ibadan warlords fought gallantly to defend the territorial integrity of the Yorubaland during Kiriji, Ijaiye war and Jalumi wars, to mention but few.
“With all these in minds, people are looking unto your royal majesty, as a foremost traditional rulers to bring his wealth of experience to bear in giving the traditional institution a uniform identity.
“We know that you have seen it all as a governor and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your impeachment case and the Supreme Court ruling that invalidate the decision of the House of Assembly has become a reference case.
“We, as lawyers always make reference to this case whenever such matter arises either at the lower or upper courts.
“Many governors have been saved through the case instituted by your royal majesty to then as the governor from any form of unconstitutional impeachment from office.
“Therefore, as a traditional ruler that have weathered many storms, all eyes are on you. We must ensure that unnecessary cracks are not created on the walls of the traditional rulers in Yorubaland so that the onslaught of the lizard can be checkmated,”the senior advocate said.
Welcoming Olanipekun to his palace, Oba Ladoja described him as a foremost lawyer, who is being governed by the fear of God,
acknowledged his role in the promotion of the legal profession, stressed the need for timely dispensation of justice
According to him, there is need for speedy dispensation of cases at the various courts, litigants are being discouraged with the delayed being experience in the dispensation of justice.
Oba Ladoja commended Olanipekun for his extensive work in landmark cases and leadership in legal and educational institutions, including serving as Pro-Chancellor for the University of Ibadan and Ajayi Crowther University.
Olanipekun was the leader of Oba Ladoja’s legal team during his political turmoil in Ibadan.
