An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ilesa Kingmakers and others from nominating new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The court’s decision was sequel to suit a suit marked HIL/117/2024 and filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of members of the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
Other defendants in the case include the Obanla of Ijesaland, Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, 11 other kingmakers, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adesuyi Haastrup, and the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The applicants had approached the court and sought an order to prevent Governor Adeleke, his administration officials, and Ilesa kingmakers from taking steps to appoint Adesuyi Haastrup or any other person as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, pending the determination of the suit over the vacant stool of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
When the matter came up for hearing, Justice A. Aderibigbe granted the reliefs sought by the applicants and issued an order of interim injunction dated December 16, 2024.
The court order reads in part, “ An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th, 20th, 21th, and 22nd defendant/respondents from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election or installing or appointing the 16th defendant/respondent or any person as Owa of ljesaland or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland or taking further steps as regards the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed on the suit.”
Justice Aderibigbe later adjourned the matter till January 14, 2025, for further hearing.
