Court Bars Ondo Governor from installing monarch in Alagbon community

The Ondo State High Court in Okitipupa has issued an interim order restraining Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other state officials from installing or recognizing any monarch in Alagbon Community, located in the oil-rich Ugbo Kingdom of Ilaje Local Government Area.

Justice Temitope Adedipe handed down the ruling on Friday, directing all parties involved to maintain the status quo until the ongoing legal suit challenging the government’s decision is resolved.

The court’s injunction follows protests by Alagbon community leaders after the State Executive Council (SEC), chaired by Governor Aiyedatiwa, confirmed Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon during a meeting on Wednesday.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced that the appointment was made following due process and based on recommendations from recognized traditional authorities.

Dissatisfied with the government’s decision, community leaders filed Suit No. HOK/76/2022 at the Okitipupa High Court through D.J. Ayenowo of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, seeking to halt the installation and nullify any related actions.

The court granted an interim injunction restraining the Ondo State Government, its officials, and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan, from proceeding further on the matter.

Plaintiffs High Chief Isaiah Adewole Demehin (former Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Asogbon of Ugboland) and Chief Mallon Ogede, Baale of Alagbon, are challenging the legality of the proposed installation.

The suit alleges that a state government commissioner, who is a member of the Gbogunron family, exerted undue influence to have his family imposed on Alagbon.

The case has been adjourned for the hearing of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and the eventual determination of the substantive suit.