A high court sitting in saki has declared the installation of the bagii of saki chief Abdul- Rashid Adekoge as valid and lawful.
The judgment by Justice Ganiyu brought to climax the three – year old case between the Bagii of saki, Chief Abdul-Rashid Adegoke and his rival, Prince Niass Olabode.
Adegoke who was installed has the Bagii of Saki in 2016 had been dragged before the court by Olabode over his appointment and installation as the head the king makers in the ancient town.
Also joined in the Suit No ( HSK/10/2016) were the Governor of Oyo, Saki West Local Government, Magaji Kujeniya Chieftancy family Chief Shittu Oladipo,Ministry of Local government and Chieftancy Matters and others.
Olabode had prayed the court to set aside the appointment and the election of Adegoke as null and void and of no effect whatsoever, claiming that he (Adegoke) was no more competent and qualified to contest in the second election which was conducted in 2016 pursuant to section 20(5) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.
He also argued that the Bagii kujenya ruling family was the rightful party from the Bagii ruling house to present the candidate for the Bagii of Saki and that the presentation of Adebowale from the Ladubu ruling family was wrong and contrary to the Chiefs Law of Oyo State .
The claimant also argued in the court that the election and appointment of Adegoke on April 1 ,2016 was fraudulent and marred with irregularities as he (Olabode ) was not allowed into the voting arena by the police and was not represented in the country to the principle of fair hearing as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution (as amended)
He therefore prayed the court to set aside the appointment and approval of Adegoke and consequently approve his own appointment as the Bagii of saki as the only qualified person for the office .
Olabode also sought the court’s order of perpetual injunction restraining Adegoke from further acting or parading himself as the Bagii of Saki .
In his argument the counsel to the state government Prince Adetunji Gbadegesin faulted Olabode claims, saying that the appointment of Adegoke was lawful, valid and follow due process.
Gbadegeshin, who is the Solicitor General of Oyo State therefore prayed the court to declare Adegoke as the validly appointed Bagii of Saki.
In his judgement Justice Ganiyu said that all the claims and evidence presented before the court by the claimant lacked merit and were consequently rejected and dismissed.
He thereafter declared the appointment, approval and installation of Adegoke as the bagii of saki as validly done and consequently lawful .
