Justice Michael Awe of the State High Court sitting in Ikirun, Osun State, has halted the presentation of staff of office to Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the second king of Iree, Boripe local government area of Osun State.
This development comes barely a month after the court sacked a monarch appointed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The discord in Iree arose after two kings emerged following Governor Adeleke’s rejection of the appointment of Oba Ademola Ponnle by his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Instead, Adeleke appointed Muritala Oyelakin as the king.
The situation led to a crisis in the community, with kingmakers shunning traditional rites for Oba Oyelakin.
Saturday, May 5, was slated for the presentation of certificates, instruments, and staff of office to Oba Oyelakin.
However, Justice Awe’s intervention restrained Governor Adeleke, his government, and four traditional chiefs, including Oba Oyelakin, from proceeding with the ceremony.
The restraining order followed a lawsuit filed by Oba Ademola Ponnle, who sought to stop the ceremony.
The court granted his prayers, pointing out the need to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
In accordance with the court order, Governor Adeleke and other respondents are prohibited from issuing Prince Muritala Oyelakin with any certificates, instruments, or staff of office as the Aree of Iree, or taking any further steps in his formal installation.
“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 read.
The hearing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8.
