There was a mild drama on Wednesday at the Lagos High Court, following the move by the Oba of Iruland, Abiodun Idowu Oniru, to mediate between parties in the 11-year-old suit challenging the ascension of Oba Rilwanu Akiolu to the Oba of Lagos stool.
Oniru, who was in the court presided over by Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson had written a letter seeking permission to explore out-of-court settlement for his “younger brothers.”
The court’s attention was drawn to the letter by counsel to the state, Pedro Lawal (SAN), who said he was ready for trial but could not proceed as a result of the blackout caused by unavailability of electricity.
Though all parties did not oppose Oba Oniru’s intervention, trouble started when the claimants, Princes Sammy Adebiyi and Rasheed Modile urged the court to adjourn for report of settlement/trial.
Through their counsel, Babatunde Fashanu (SAN) the claimants told the court that they were prepared for trial, and were ready to give evidence but will accede to Oba Oniru’s settlement option and urged the court to adjourn for report of settlement or trial should parties fail to agree.
Being an officer in the temple of justice, Fashanu said he was not opposed to the settlement move but was curious because Oba Oniru is not a party in the case.
“My Lord, this letter to me is curious. This is the 11th year of this case. We have gone through all that before the previous judge that handled the matter.
“My clients are on over 200 years journey to claim their rights to the throne. The author of the letter should have done so through the lawyers to the parties in this suit. What he has done is even contemptuous,” said Fashanu.
Fashanu said: “My Lord, I have my say. The proper thing to do is for the court to adjourn for report of settlement or trial. This will put parties on the proper leverage.”
Angered by his submissions, Justice Candide-Johnson said he was mandated to encourage any attempt of amicable settlement in accordance with the rules of court.
Justice Candide-Johnson said he does not see the letter as contemptuous, and that there was never anything stopping the monarch from attempting to mediate in the matter and granted Oniru audience.
He scolded Fashanu for requesting that next adjournment be fixed for either report of settlement or trial and insisted he would only adjourn for report of settlement.
“This is my court. I have the right to overrule you and you have been overruled. So, sit down!” Said Justice Candide-Johnson.
The drama continued when the judge while consulting parties on an appropriate date to adjourn the case but was told by Fashanu to do whatever pleases him, which made Justice Candide-Johnson flare up and insisted the lawyer must check his diary for a convenient date.
Subsequently, the matter was adjourned to May 5, for report of settlement.
Joined as defendants with Akiolu in the suit are Lagos State Governor and the Attorney General; Prince Babatunde Akitoye as well as Chief Junaud Eko.