Ibadan: Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to champion unity among traditional rulers in the southwest region.
Olanipekun, who made the submission during his visit to the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo palace in Ibadan on Tuesday, advocated a unified identity among traditional rulers in the southwest region.
The legal luminary added that traditional rulers can advance the region’s course only with unity and purposeful leadership, by bringing their wealth of experience as seasoned administrators and foremost traditional rulers 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, 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 warding off the invasion of the Fulani Jihadists.
”It is of note how Ibadan warlords fought gallantly to defend the territorial integrity of Yorubaland during the Kiriji, Ijaiye war, and Jalumi wars, to mention but a few.
With all these in mind, people are looking to your royal majesty, as a foremost traditional ruler, 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 invalidated the decision of the House of Assembly have become a reference case.
“We, as lawyers, always make reference to this case whenever such a matter arises either at the lower or upper courts.
“Many governors have been saved through the case instituted by your royal majesty, then, as the governor, from any form of unconstitutional impeachment from office.
“Therefore, as a traditional ruler who has 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 checked,” Olanipekun said.
Welcoming Olanipekun to his palace, Oba Ladoja described him as a foremost lawyer who is governed by the fear of God.
He acknowledged his role in promoting the legal profession, stressing the need for timely justice.
According to him, there is a need for the speedy dispensation of cases across the courts, as delays in the administration of justice are discouraging litigants.
Oba Ladoja commended Olanipekun for his extensive work on landmark cases and for his leadership in legal and educational institutions, including serving as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Ajayi Crowther University.
It can be recalled that Olanipekun was the leader of Oba Ladoja’s legal team during his political turmoil in Ibadan.