Ipetumodu Obaship Tussle: Court Orders Alternative Service To Respondents

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered that the originating processes and motion for interlocutory injunction be served on the palace of Apetu of Ipetumodu and all the kingmakers in the town over the lingering obaship tussle.

The presiding judge,  Justice Kudirat Akano gave the order while hearing the matter brought by one Prince Taiwo Ayoola alleging that the kingmakers have nominated someone to become the traditional ruler of the town in flagrant disobedience to paragraph III(c) of the 1958 declaration and court of Appeal judgment of 1988.

He said since five respondents have already been served, service should be pasted on the residence of other respondents in the matter, and by that means put them on notice.

It should be recalled that Prince Ayoola had approached the court to challenge the nomination of one Prince  Joseph Gbenga Oloyede by the Ipetumodu king makers, alleging that Oloyede was arbitrarily selected.

In a motion of notice filed by his lawyer, Mr S.O Abiona, an order of interlocutory injunction was sought, restraining the state government and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi from accepting, recognising, consenting, approving and recognising the selection and appointment of  Prince Oloyede.

Prince Ayoola,  from Elewa royal family said the legal action was the decision reached with Prince Omogbolahan Ayoola on behalf of all other members of the family of Aribile ruling house of the town.

According to the motion, the purported selection and appointment of Prince Oloyede by Chief Afolabi, the Asalu of Ipetumodu and Chief Kehinde Orosanya, Warrant Chief in the presence of the Ife North local government was draconian.

It describes such action as irrational and in violation of native law  and custom relating to and concerning the selection and appointment of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu as contained in the Declaration and duly adjudged in the judgment.

Meanwhile, the  matter has been adjourned till August 13,  2018 for the hearing of  the interlocutory application brought by the plaintiff.

The stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu has been vacant since November last year.