Justice Micheal Awe prevented Governor Ademola Adeleke from giving staff of office to the second king of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, just one month after the court dismissed a monarch nominated by him.
Recall that two kings appeared as the Aree of Iree in Osun state’s Boripe local government area after Adeleke rejected his predecessor’s selection of Oba Ademola Ponnle and chose Muritala Oyelakin as king instead.
However, there has been a societal conflict caused by the appearance of two kings and kingmakers who have rejected Oba Oyelakin’s customary ceremonies.
The certificate, instrument, and office staff were then presented to Oba Oyelakin as Aree of Iree on Saturday, May 5.
However, Justice Awe of the State High Court in Ikirun, Osun State, prevented Governor Adeleke, his government, and four traditional chiefs, including the king, Oba Oyelakin, from proceeding with the staff presentation ceremony.
The Certified True Copy of the enrollment order stated that Oba Ademola Ponnle, in suit number HOS/20/2024, dragged the Osun State governor along with eight others and petitioned the court to suspend the ceremony.
Justice Awe allowed Oba Ponnle’s request to halt the office staff’s presentation to Oba Oyelakin on Saturday.
The order read: “I have no doubt in my mind having considered the deposition of the Applicant together with the attached Exhibits as well as counsel’s submissions on same that this Application ought to succeed. There is indeed an urgent need to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction also filed in respect of the same matter.
“Accordingly, the Claimant/Applicant’s application succeeds and it is hereby ordered as prayed. And specifically, the Governor of Osun and other respondents are hereby restrained from issuing Prince Muritala Oyelakin with a Certificate, instrument, and/ or Staff of Office as the Aree of Iree or taking any further steps in formally installing him.”
The order noted that Oyelakin must not take any instrument and/ or Staff of Office as the Aree of Iree or take any further steps in formally installing him pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction filed in respect of the same subject.
Justice Awe fixed the hearing on the matter to Wednesday, May 8.