The Osun State judiciary and Governor Ademola Adeleke appear to be on a fresh war path over the rightful candidate to occupy the stool of Olola of Ola in Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Already, the Osun State High Court has sacked the new Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Ajiboye appointed in January by Governor Adeleke from office.
The court, in a ruling, held that the appointment of the traditional ruler by Governor Adeleke was an illegality, being in violation of the principle of lis pendens.
The decision has however triggered palpable tension in the town with the sacked monarch plotting to continue in office in defiance to the court order
BAR & BENCH WATCH reports that the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke had on January 3, 2024, through the State Executive Council, approved Ajiboye’s appointment as monarch.
The state governor had given approval for the appointment of the monarch at a time aggrieved ruling families in Ola town had submitted disputes relating to the rightful candidature for the Olola stool to court.
By the doctrine of lis pendens, it is a settled law that nothing should change during the pendency of an action in court.
Notwithstanding the appointment of Oba Johnson Ajiboye by the executive in January, the court in March issued injunction restraining all parties to maintain status quo ante in the matter.
By implication, every action taken by either party after the matter had been submitted to the court including the appointment of Oba Ajiboye as the Olola of Ola in January became an illegality, null and void.
Specifically, Justice Arojo granted six interlocutory injunctions in the motion filed by the opposing family on March 25, 2024, over the alleged illegality.
The lawyer representing the family, Fatimah Adesina, commenting on the development, confirmed that the stool of Olola of Ola has been declared vacant by the order granted by the Osun State High Court.
It was gathered that there has been series of crisis in the community since Adeleke selected the ousted monarch.
The head of kingmakers, Dr Femi Fasanya had boycotted and disowned the installation process of Oba Johnson Ajiboye in January 2024.
Following the incident, the opposing family house, Olugbode, represented by David Salako and Kola Sangoniran, filed a motion with suit number HEJ/3/2020 seeking the sack of Oba Ajiboye and nullification of his appointment letter by Governor Adeleke.
In the petition dated April 10 2024 by one Kolawole Sangoniran addressed to Osun Police Command, Olugbode had envisaged anarchy in Ola.
He stated that “the deposed king is planning to confer chieftaincy title on some people at the Olola of Ola’s palace.
“We shall be grateful if you will use your good office to prevent the planned programme and disobedience to court orders.
“This is to avoid the impending breakdown of law and order, possible killing and maiming that may erupt”.
