An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has ordered Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Ilesa kingmakers not to nominate a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.The court’s decision followed a suit numbered HIL/117/2024, filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of members of the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
Other defendants in the case, apart from Adeleke, include the Obanla of Ijesaland, Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, and 11 other kingmakers, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adesuyi Haastrup, and the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The applicants sought an order preventing Adeleke, his government officials, and Ilesa kingmakers from taking steps to appoint Haastrup or any other person as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed regarding the stool.Upon hearing the application, Justice A. Aderibigbe granted the reliefs sought by the applicants, issuing an order of interim injunction dated December 16, 2024.
The order partly read, “ An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th, 20th, 21th, and 22nd defendant/respondents from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election or installing or appointing the 16th defendant/respondent or any person as Owa of ljesa land or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land or taking further steps as regards the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed on the suit.”
The case adjourned till January 15, 2024.