In the ongoing case between former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Olubadan of Ibadan and the 11 newly coronated Obas, Justice M. O. Adegbola of the Ibadan High Court has ordered substituted service on some of the defendants.
This decision comes after several failed attempts to serve the defendants at their respective home addresses.
During the hearing, Barrister M. O. Folorunso, the claimant’s lawyer, informed the court about the unsuccessful attempts to serve the defendants. In response, the trial judge ordered that the court process be served through substituted means by pasting it in the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan at Alarere area in Ibadan.
Furthermore, Justice Adegbola decided to return the case file to the Chief Justice for reassignment. He explained that his personal relationship with the claimant, Senator Rasidi A. Ladoja, as well as the second and fourth defendants, could compromise his credibility and that of the judiciary.
Therefore, to ensure impartiality and justice, he believed it was best for another judge to handle the matter.
