In a significant development, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa has issued an interim injunction preventing Governor Ademola Adeleke, his commissioners, and other stakeholders from appointing a new Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land.
The court order specifically restrains the appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi, any member of the Haastrup family, or any other candidate for the vacant stool. The injunction follows a motion filed by members of the Ofokutu Royal Family, led by Prince Debo Adeyemi and Prince Adeboye Adewale.
The revered throne of the Owa-Obokun became vacant in September 2024 when Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who had reigned for 42 years, passed on. His demise marked the beginning of heightened interest from various royal families eager to succeed him, with the kingmakers preparing to commence the selection process.
However, the legal action brought by the Ofokutu Royal Family prompted Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe to halt all activities related to the selection, citing concerns over procedural fairness. The claimants also challenged the N10 million nomination fee required of contestants, describing it as excessive.
Justice Aderibigbe, in his ruling, stated:
“An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th (Ilesa West Local Government), 20th (Osun State Governor), 21st (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), and 22nd (Attorney General of Osun State) from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election, or installing or appointing the 16th defendant (Prince Clement Adesuyi) or any person as Owa of Ijesa land or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land, or taking further steps as regards the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The ruling has temporarily paused all efforts to fill the stool, leaving the Ijesa people in suspense.
The court has scheduled January 14, 2025, for the hearing of the pending applications, as the legal battle continues to shape the future of one of Osun State’s most prominent traditional thrones.
This dispute underscores the significance of traditional institutions in Yoruba land and the complexities surrounding their succession processes.
