An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has barred Governor Ademola Adeleke and his aides from appointing Prince Clement Adesuyi, members of the Haastrup family or any other prince as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land.
The seat became vacant following the death of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024.
Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe issued an interim injunction restraining Adeleke, his commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, the attorney general of Osun State and others from proceeding with the selection or appointment of a new Owa-Obokun.
The order was issued following a motion filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi, Prince Adeboye Adewale and nine others of the Ofokutu Royal Family.
They urged the court to halt the process, including the collection of a N10 million nomination fee from contestants.
Justice Aderibigbe stated: “An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th (Ilesa West Local Government), 20th (Osun State Governor), 21st (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), and 22nd (Attorney General of Osun State) from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election, or installing or appointing the 16th defendant (Prince Clement Adesuyi) or any person as Owa of Ijesa 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.”
The court adjourned the matter to January 14, 2025, for the hearing of the pending application.
