The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, shared insights on why legal disputes frequently accompany the selection of kings in certain regions of Yorubaland during a press conference at his Alarere residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of the festivities marking his 81st birthday.
Balogun emphasized that when those responsible for the election or appointment of monarchs fail to fulfill their traditional duties, candidates who feel aggrieved will continue to seek legal recourse.
He explained that litigation is an inherent aspect of democracy and will persist as long as injustice exists in the selection of monarchs in Yorubaland, serving as a safeguard against such injustices.
Regarding the reported confrontation between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state, the monarch, who holds Obasanjo in high regard, clarified that the issue had been blown out of proportion.
He described Obasanjo as a respectful figure when it comes to traditional rulers in Nigeria and dismissed allegations of disrespect.
He characterized their relationship as one of brotherhood and friendship and attributed the unfortunate incident at the function in Iseyin, where Obasanjo appeared to be acting out of order toward members of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, as a misrepresentation by the media.
On the occasion of his 81st birthday, the Olubadan expressed profound gratitude to God, noting that there had been nothing he had asked of God that had not been granted to him.
