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Mogajis (family heads of Ibadan ruling dynasty) have thrown their weight behind Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, in his request for out of court settlement of the Olubadan Chieftaincy crisis.
In a statement on Sunday, the Mogajis described the governor’s decision to withdraw the suit on the 21 Ibadan obas at the Court of Appeal as the best option to ensure peace and progress of Ibadanland.
They also warned against misinterpreting the action of the judges of the appellate court which ordered the case be returned to the High Court for retrial.
The family heads stated that the people of Ibadanland should understand the decision of the Appeal court judges stressing that returning the case to a lower court did not mean rejection of the out-of-court settlement application.
A statement by the spokesman of the Mogajis in Ibadan land, Mogaji Wale Oladoja, assured that the crisis will be resolved amicably and that peace and unity will soon return to the Olubadan-in-council.
READ: Ibadan obas: we’re not in peace talks with Olubadan
The statement reads: “Without mincing words, Governor Seyi Makinde has made us proud on withdrawal of the suit seeking appeal of the Olubadan chieftaincy legal battle. The family members send their warm greeting to the governor that they are happy with his move to ensure the case is withdrawn.
“With all indications, Makinde has proved that he has the interest of Ibadan land and the entire Oyo state in mind. We therefore appeal to our High Chiefs to accept the move of withdrawing the suit for peace, progress and prosperity of our land.”
On the various interpretations being given to the return of the case to the High Court, they Mogajis said: “We know that some enemies of progress are misinterpreting the judgement but it is noteworthy to emphasis that the judgement was to return the case to the lower court for settlement-out-of-court because the appeal court was set for judgement before the state government approached it for withdrawal of the case. We need to understand that when a court is set for judgement, it can only return judgment to a lower court.
“We therefore appreciate the effort of Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Osi Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, for their role in ensuring that peace returns to the family of Olubadan-in council and the personal conviction of Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun to see the case as family affair and his pursuit of peace.”