Court Halts Monarch Installation in Alagbon Community, Orders Status Quo

The Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim injunction restraining Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other state officials from installing or recognising any monarch in Alagbon Community, situated within the Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area.

Justice Temitope Adedipe delivered the ruling on Friday, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a suit challenging the state government’s decision to appoint a traditional ruler in the area.

The court’s intervention follows discontent from leaders of Alagbon after the State Executive Council (SEC) during its Wednesday meeting chaired by Governor Aiyedatiwa, approved Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the first Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, had announced the council’s decision, stating that the appointment followed due process and was based on recommendations from recognised traditional authorities.

However, the community leadership rejected the move and approached the court to halt any further action, citing irregularities and potential imposition.

In Suit No. HOK/76/2022, filed by D.J. Ayenowo of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, 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, argue that the process was compromised by undue political influence. They allege that a serving commissioner from the Gbogunron family used his position to push for his kinsman’s selection.

The court also barred the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan, from taking further steps regarding the chieftaincy matter until the motion for interlocutory injunction is heard and the substantive case is determined.