DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Appeal Court restrains Adeleke from removing Osun monarch

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • The Court of Appeal in Akure has restrained the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from taking further action on the Akirun of Ikirun chieftaincy matter.
  • The court ordered parties to maintain the status quo regarding the stool occupied by Olalekan Akadiri pending the determination of an appeal.
  • This ruling comes after the Osun State Government had declared the stool vacant, a decision that has now been put on hold.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been legally barred from making further moves concerning the vacant stool of the Akirun of Ikirun. The Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, Ondo State, issued an order on Monday, directing all parties involved to maintain the status quo. This injunction halts any actions related to the chieftaincy dispute until the court can fully determine an ongoing appeal.

It has been brought to the knowledge of this court that despite the government White Paper advising all parties to halt the processing of nomination of the Akirun of Ikirun, learned Silk Counsel to the 15th Respondent has informed the court that the fourth respondent has been calling for nomination for the stool.

· Justice S.O. Nwaka GbagiThe Justice's observation regarding the actions taken despite a government directive to maintain the status quo.

The appellate court's decision specifically targets the stool currently occupied by Olalekan Akadiri. The Osun State Government had previously declared this position vacant. This declaration was part of white papers issued following reviews of executive orders signed by Governor Adeleke in November 2022. The government's earlier directive was for all parties to await the outcome of the pending appeal before proceeding.

This has been confirmed by counsel to the appellant and other respondents.

· Justice S.O. Nwaka GbagiThe Justice confirming the information about nomination calls.

Justice S.O. Nwaka Gbagi, delivering the ruling, prohibited the governor and other involved parties from taking any steps concerning the chieftaincy dispute. This order was made after Oba Akadiri's counsel informed the court that the chairman of the town’s kingmakers had allegedly contacted the Gboleru Ruling House to present candidates. This action was argued to be in violation of the government’s own directive to suspend proceedings.

It is unfortunate that the 4th Respondent can go out of the Government’s directive in a matter that is pending before this court.

· Justice S.O. Nwaka GbagiThe Justice expressing concern over actions contradicting the court's pending matter.

Lawyers representing the Gboleru Ruling House, the Osun State Attorney-General’s office, and the kingmakers acknowledged the need to maintain the status quo for community peace. The court noted the discrepancy between the government's directive and the alleged actions of the fourth respondent, stating, "It is unfortunate that the 4th Respondent can go out of the Government’s directive in a matter that is pending before this court." The court emphasized that maintaining the status quo is crucial to prevent a breakdown of peace and order.

It is hereby ordered that parties maintain the status quo and avoid breakdown of peace and order.

· Justice S.O. Nwaka GbagiThe final order issued by the court to maintain the status quo.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog