Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim order restraining Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other state officials from installing or recognising any monarch in Alagbon Community, located in the oil-rich Ugbo Kingdom of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Justice Temitope Adedipe gave the ruling on Friday, directing that all parties in the case maintain the status quo pending the determination of an ongoing suit challenging the government’s decision.
The court’s order came in response to protests from Alagbon leaders after the State Executive Council, at its meeting on Wednesday chaired by Governor Aiyedatiwa, confirmed Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon.
Announcing the decision after the SEC meeting, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, stated that the appointment was made in line with due process and based on recommendations from recognised traditional authorities.
Dissatisfied with the development, community leaders approached the court seeking to halt further action and nullify any steps already taken toward installing the monarch.
In Suit No. HOK/76/2022, filed by D.J. Ayenowo of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the Ondo State Government, its officials, and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan, from taking further steps on the matter.
The plaintiffs, High Chief Isaiah Adewole Demehin (a former Ondo State Commissioner for Information and the Asogbon of Ugboland) and Chief Mallon Ogede, the Baale of Alagbon, are challenging the legality of the proposed installation.
According to the suit, the community alleged that a commissioner in the state government, who hails from the Gbogunron family, exerted undue influence to impose his family on Alagbon.
The case has been adjourned for hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and the eventual determination of the substantive case.
