Court Sacks Ekiti Traditional Ruler

Oba Ilesanmi Ajibade has been removed as the Owa of Odo Ayedun Ekiti by an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ikole Ekiti.

Prince Adekunle Adeniyi, who challenged the selection and installation of Ajibade, was declared as the validly selected candidate having participated in the selection process conducted by six kingmakers in the town by the court.

Adeniyi in the suit no: HCL/12/09 filed on July 10, 2013 had approached the court seeking the nullification of the selection of Oba Ajibade (15th respondent) and an order directing the governor to approve the nomination of the claimant.

He also sought a declaration that the appointment of the warrant chiefs (11th to 14th defendants) was illegal.

in the suit as respondents were Pastor Isaac Aluko (1st), Chief Aribisala (2nd), Chief Olu Areola (3rd), Chief Kayode Osho (4th), Chief Amos Jegede (5th) and Miss Oyenike Ojo (6th).

Others include the Secretary, Ikole Local Government (7th), Special Adviser, Chieftaincy Matters (8th), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice (9th), Governor of Ekiti State (10th), Mr. Joseph Oluyi (11th), Mr. Aderemi Akinola (12th), Mr. Adeniyi Oluyi (13th), Mr. Mike Farunmona (14th) and Oba Ilesanmi Ajibade ( 15th respondent)

The claimant called two witnesses during the trial and tendered three Exhibits: a programme of coronation and official presentation of staff of office; a letter from Odo Ayedun kingmakers to the claimant for him to fill the vacant stool, and another letter from the claimant to the late Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Adeleye Adetunla, who is the supreme head in the area.

According to a copy of the judgment made available to journalists on Wednesday and delivered on June 28, Justice Abiodun Adesodun held that the selection of Oba Ajibade was illegal, null and void.