Court Stops Governor Adeleke From Appointing New Monarch For Owa Obokun Stool

A restraining order has been issued by an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa against the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and Ilesa kingmakers from nominating a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

The court’s decision follows a suit numbered HIL/117/2024, 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, apart from Adeleke, include the Obanla of Ijesaland, Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, and 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 sought an order preventing Adeleke, his administration officials, and Ilesa kingmakers from taking steps to appoint Haastrup or any other person as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed regarding the stool.

Upon hearing the application, Justice A. Aderibigbe granted the reliefs sought by the applicants, issuing an order of interim injunction dated December 16, 2024

The order partly read, “ 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 ljesa 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 already filed on the suit.”

The judge adjourned the matter till January 14, 2025, for a hearing.