An Osun State High Court in Ilesa has issued a restraining order against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ilesa kingmakers, preventing them from appointing a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The court’s decision follows a lawsuit, HIL/117/2024, filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 other members of the Ofokutu Royal Family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House. The suit challenges the appointment process for the traditional ruler of Ijesaland.
In addition to Governor Adeleke, other defendants named in the case include Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, the Obanla of Ijesaland, 11 other kingmakers, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, Osun State Attorney General Adesuyi Haastrup, and the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The applicants sought a court order to stop the governor and other officials from appointing Haastrup or any other individual as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland while the legal challenge is ongoing.
Justice A. Aderibigbe granted the order of interim injunction on December 16, 2024, preventing the defendants from proceeding with the nomination, selection, election, or installation of a new Owa Obokun pending the resolution of the case.
The court’s order states: “An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th, 20th, 21st, and 20th defendants/respondents from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election or installing or appointing the 16th defendant/respondent or any person as Owa of Ijesaland 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.”
The case has been adjourned until January 14, 2025, for further proceedings.
