Appeals Court Blocks Osun Governor’s Move to Depose Traditional Ruler
The Akure Court of Appeal stopped Governor Ademola Adeleke from removing the Akirun of Ikirun monarch and ordered all sides to keep the status quo while the appeal runs.
TL;DR
The Akure Court of Appeal barred Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke from removing the Akirun of Ikirun monarch and ordered all parties to keep the status quo while the appeal runs.
Context
On Monday, the appellate court in Akure stepped into a brewing chieftaincy row in Osun State. The state government had earlier declared the stool of Akirun of Ikirun vacant, citing six White Papers that reviewed executive orders issued after Governor Adeleke took office in November 2022. The declaration asked all sides to await the outcome of a pending suit before the Court of Appeal.
The monarch’s counsel told the court that, despite the government’s White Paper urging a halt, the Eesa of Ikirun had written to the Gboleru Ruling House to present candidates, allegedly on the governor’s directive. The kingmakers’ counsel supported maintaining the status quo to preserve peace, noting that the appeal was set for hearing once all briefs were filed.
Key Facts
The court ordered that Governor Adeleke and related parties must not take any action concerning the Akirun of Ikirun chieftaincy while the appeal is pending. It also said it is unfortunate that the fourth respondent acted against the government's directive in a matter still before the court, and it directed everyone to maintain the status quo to avoid a breakdown of peace.
Consequently, the judge barred the governor from removing the monarch, Oba Olaleken Akadiri, pending the appeal’s determination. Counsel for the Gboleru Ruling House, the Attorney‑General’s office, and the kingmakers all agreed that no steps should be taken until the appeal is resolved.
What It Means
The ruling reinforces that executive orders cannot override judicial processes when a matter is sub judice. By preserving the status quo, the court aims to prevent escalation between rival factions—the Gboleru Ruling House, the kingmakers, and the state government.
The decision also underscores the influence of the White Paper, which had already urged restraint, showing that even internal government guidance can be challenged when parties ignore it. Legal experts note that the order limits the governor’s ability to intervene in traditional institutions until the appeal concludes, setting a precedent for similar disputes across Nigeria.
Observers will watch whether the administration complies with the injunction and how the appellate court proceeds with the substantive appeal.
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