A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wole Olanipekun, has urged the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to bring his wealth of experience as seasoned administrator and foremost traditional ruler to bear in uniting traditional rulers in the Southwest region.
Advocating for unified identity among the traditional rulers in the region, the legal luminary said traditional rulers can only advance the course of the region with unity of purpose.
Olanipekun made the plea during a courtsey visit to the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo palace, Ibadan on Tuesday.
He urged the monarch to bring his wealth of experience as former governor, senator and entrepreneur to bear in the interest of the traditional institution in the region.
He described Oba Ladoja as a leading figure among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland, noting the history of the ancient town and the role that it played in wading off the invasion of the Fulani Jihadist.
He said, “It is of note how Ibadan warlords fought gallantly to defend the territorial integrity of the Yorubaland during Kiriji war, Ijaiye war, Jalumi to mention but few.
“With all these in minds, people are looking unto Ladoja as a foremost traditional rulers to bring his wealth of experience to bear in giving the traditional rulers a uniform identity.
“Oba Ladoja has seen it all as a governor and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His impeachment case and the Supreme Court ruling that invalidate the decision of the House of Assembly has become a reference case.
“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 Ladoja from any form of unconstitutional impeachment from office.
“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 checkmate.”
In his response, Ladoja described Olanipekun as a foremost lawyer who is being governed by the fear of God.
Ladoja while acknowledging the role of Olanipekun in the promotion of the legal profession stressed the need for timely dispensation of justice.
He said, “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.
“The legal luminary also stressed the need for the movement of experienced lawyers from the Bar to the Bench.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
