The appointment and installation of the Bagii of Saki, Chief Abdul- Rashid Adekoge has been declared as valid and lawful by a High Court sitting in Saki on Wednesday.
The judgement by High Court Justice Lateef 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 was 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 were the office of the Governor of Oyo, Saki west local government, Magaji Kujeniya Chieftancy family, Chief Shittu Oladipo, Ministry of Local government and chieftancy matters and others
In a suit no: HSK/10/2016, 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 prayed to 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.
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 Gbadegeshin faulted Olabode claims, saying that the appointment of Adegoke was lawful, valid and follow due process.
Gbadegeshin prayed to the court to declare Adegoke at the validly appointed Bagii of Saki
In his judgement Justice Lateef 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 .