ONDO COURT RESTRAINED AIYEDATIWA FROM REMOVING MONARCH.
The High Court of Ondo State sitting at Okitipupa and presided over by Justice L.B. Ologun has restrained the Governor of Ondo State and 6 others from taking any step or further steps on the selection of the Olu (Oba) of Jirinwo in the Ugbo Area of Ilaje Local Government of the State.
In Suit No HOK/36/ CIV/2025 filed on behalf of HRM Oba Olawole Inspiration Ajimosun, by his counsel of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, the monarch stated that he was appointed the Oloja of Jirinwo on the 2nd March 2021 by Olugbo of Ugbo Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan as the Prescribed Authority over the Jirinwo Chieftaincy.
The Oba stated that the stool was elevated to the status of an Oba by the Executive Council of Ondo State on the 24th day of August 2022 and by that development being the incumbent by virtue of the customary law of the Chieftaincy and the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Ondo State he became automatically promoted and remains on the throne as the Oba.
Oba Ajimosun further contended that this law and policy were applied to all such chieftaincies in Ondo State which were declared Recognized Chieftaincies following Government White Papers on reports of Commissions of Inquiry including those promoted on the recommendations of the Justice CET Ajama Commission of Inquiry.
The Olu of Jirinwo however complained that following the directives of the State Government being implemented by the Chairman of the Local Government, there have been clandestine moves to select and appoint a Olu of Jirinwo which he consider a taboo under customary law and a violation of his vested rights recognized by the Chiefs Law of Ondo State and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The monarch deposed that a notice of meeting slated for Wednesday the 22nd of October 2025 for the final selection is being circulated by the Local Government despite the objection by the heads of the five component royal families of the Chieftaincy that such move is sacrilegious under customary law.
Ruling on the Motion for Injunction, the presiding judge held that:
“Upon reading the Motion Exparte and 38 paragraph Affidavit in support sworn to by HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OBA OLAWOLE INSPIRATION AJIMOSUN the Olu of Jirinwo in the Ugbo Area of Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State and filed at the High Court Registry Okitipupa on the 20th day of October 2025.
AND THE COURT after listening to O. A Meduoye Esq, counsel to the Claimant/Applicant the Court ordered as follows:
“I have examined the application and as well listened carefully to the submission of the counsel and I am of the view that the Application is deserving of a grant, particularly the 2nd relief sought.
Consequently, an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Defendants by themselves, privies or any person being beneficiaries of their actions thereof from taking any step or further steps on the selection or appointment of the Olu of Jirinwo or Oba of whatever title in Jirinwo Community in the Ugbo Area of Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made”.
The case is adjourned to 4th November for hearing.