Owa Of Igbajo: Judge Warns Defendants Over Justice Delay

The High Court of Justice in Osogbo, Osun State, presided over by Justice Awe, has adjourned a case involving the Kingmakers of Igbajo town and State Government until November 1, 2024.

The kingmakers are challenging the Osun State government’s nullification of Oba Adegboyega Famodun III’s selection as the 20th Owa of Igbajo land.

At the hearing on Monday, the judge expressed concerns over the absence of the five defence counsels, including those representing Oba Ademola Makinde, the Osun State government, Boluwaduro LG and warrant chiefs.

Dr. Saka Layoonu, counsel to the plaintiffs, criticized the defence’s absence as a disregard for the court and an attempt to delay proceedings as this has been their style since the case started last year (2023).

The judge warned that if the defendants fail to appear on November 1, 2024, the hearing will proceed without them.

This case is part of a broader dispute stemming from Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s nullification of certain Obas’ selections in 2022.

Addressing the court, the counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr Saka Layoonu, SAN, said it is disheartening that none of the five Lawyers appeared in court in utter disregard to the court and a subtle bid to buy time through unnecessary adjournments.

He said he was supposed to be in Abuja to attend the confirmation of the newly appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) today, but had to force himself to be physically present in Osogbo because of the importance he attached to case.

Earlier, the judge said he would proceed with proper hearing of the matter on the 1st of November, 2024, if the defendants refuse to appear in court.

It will be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke, upon assuming office in November 2022, nullified the selection of some Obas who had been given staffs of office by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

The affected royal fathers include the Owa of Igbajo, Aree of Iree, and Akinrun of Ikirun.

Notably, the selection of Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun was conducted by four of the five living kingmakers from the town, and he was duly presented with the staff of office by the then-sitting Governor of the state in November 2022.