In a landmark decision, the Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa, presided over by Hon. Justice A.A. Aderibigbe, has issued an injunction restraining the Osun State Government from proceeding with the process to fill the vacant stool of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
The case was initiated by the Ofokutu Royal Family, represented by its Head and Principal Members from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House. They challenged the inclusion of the Haastrup Royal Family in the contest for the vacant stool, citing historical precedence.
The court restrained the Ilesa West Local Government, the Governor of Osun State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Attorney General from taking any further steps regarding the nomination, selection, or appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup or any other candidate as the Owa of Ijesaland.
The injunction also prohibits the imposition of a ₦10 million application form fee for contestants. The court emphasized that no action should be taken regarding the subject matter until the hearing and determination of the pending application.
According to the claimants, the Haastrup Royal Family is not eligible to contest the stool, having previously produced two Owas consecutively in 1896 and 1942, during the turn of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2025, for further proceedings.
Prince Oluwaseun Adedayo Adewale
Reporting directly from the Court.
