An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ilaro has nullified the suspension of five traditional chiefs in Igbogila, Yewa North Local Government Area, bringing an end to a leadership crisis that had rocked the community for over three years.
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Justice I.B. Awofeso delivered the judgment after adopting a settlement agreement reached between members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs and two defendants in the suit, Chief Charles Olaotan and Chief (Mrs.) Janet Omolegbe.
The suit was filed by some principal chiefs of the community, including the Basorun of Igbogila, Chief Akinlolu Ajibade; the Elemo of Igbogila, Chief Semiu Banmeke; the Ajagunna of Igbogila, Chief Adams Ajibade; the Asaaju Odo of Igbogila, Chief Oladele Asipa; and the Aro of Igbogila, Chief Fatai Olowo.
The claimants had challenged their suspension and alleged interference in the administration of the traditional institution. They asked the court to declare the purported suspension invalid and restrain persons without customary authority from meddling in the affairs of the council.
Court records showed that the matter was earlier referred to the Multi-Door Courthouse in Abeokuta by the former trial judge, Justice O.S. Oloyede, on June 26, 2024, to encourage an amicable resolution of the dispute.
Although not all parties participated in the mediation process, the claimants and the 11th and 12th defendants eventually reached an agreement, paving the way for reconciliation within the community.
Adopting the settlement, the court restored the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to its composition as it stood on November 12, 2022, and declared the suspension and removal of the five chiefs invalid.
The court also endorsed the immediate resumption of council meetings in an open and peaceful atmosphere.
It further recognised Chief Akinlolu Ajibade as the Acting Head of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs pending the selection and installation of a new Olu of Igbogila.
Earlier, the court had struck out the names of the 2nd to 10th defendants from the suit after holding that they had no constitutional role in the operations of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs. The claimants subsequently withdrew their claims against them.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel for the claimants, Adegbenro Ogungbade, described the ruling as a landmark victory for justice, due process and the preservation of Igbogila customs and traditions.
He said the decision restored the council to its lawful composition and reaffirmed the principle that traditional institutions must be administered in accordance with established native law and customs.
Ogungbade expressed confidence that the ruling would foster reconciliation and lasting peace in the community while facilitating the process of selecting a new monarch.
Also reacting, the Elemo of Igbogila, Chief Semiu Banmeke, hailed the judgment as a victory for justice, peace and the preservation of the community’s traditional heritage.
Banmeke said the ruling had resolved issues that threatened the unity of the traditional institution and would strengthen efforts toward the development and progress of the town.
He assured residents that the process for the selection and installation of a new Olu of Igbogila would commence soon, expressing optimism that it would be conducted peacefully and without rancour.
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