In a significant development, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa has issued an interim injunction preventing Governor Ademola Adeleke, his commissioners, and other stakeholders from appointing a new Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land.

The court order specifically restrains the appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi, any member of the Haastrup family, or any other candidate for the vacant stool. The injunction follows a motion filed by members of the Ofokutu Royal Family, led by Prince Debo Adeyemi and Prince Adeboye Adewale.

The revered throne of the Owa-Obokun became vacant in September 2024 when Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who had reigned for 42 years, passed on. His demise marked the beginning of heightened interest from various royal families eager to succeed him, with the kingmakers preparing to commence the selection process.

However, the legal action brought by the Ofokutu Royal Family prompted Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe to halt all activities related to the selection, citing concerns over procedural fairness. The claimants also challenged the N10 million nomination fee required of contestants, describing it as excessive.

Justice Aderibigbe, in his ruling, stated:
“An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th (Ilesa West Local Government), 20th (Osun State Governor), 21st (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), and 22nd (Attorney General of Osun State) from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election, or installing or appointing the 16th defendant (Prince Clement Adesuyi) or any person as Owa of Ijesa land or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land, or taking further steps as regards the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

The ruling has temporarily paused all efforts to fill the stool, leaving the Ijesa people in suspense.

The court has scheduled January 14, 2025, for the hearing of the pending applications, as the legal battle continues to shape the future of one of Osun State’s most prominent traditional thrones.

This dispute underscores the significance of traditional institutions in Yoruba land and the complexities surrounding their succession processes.

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In a move to accelerate grassroots development in Osun State, the Presidency has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to compile a comprehensive list of abandoned Federal Government projects in the state to ensure their timely completion.

The directive was issued during a town hall meeting on Monday that brought together diverse stakeholders, including residents, labor leaders, traders, market women, farmers, and journalists.

The Presidency underscored President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of Nigerians, describing the meeting as a pivotal step in Osun’s development agenda.

Presidency Highlights Commitment to Osun’s Development

Khadijat Kareem, the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, highlighted the administration’s focus on tackling Osun’s unique challenges.

“We recognize the unique challenges facing Osun State, from infrastructure to economic empowerment. We are committed to addressing these issues and making a tangible impact. Please provide us with information on any abandoned federal projects in your area. On my next visit to Osun, I will bring a massive empowerment program,” she said.

Adeleke to Collaborate on Federal Projects

Governor Ademola Adeleke pledged the state’s support for federal-state collaboration and expressed optimism about the completion of abandoned federal projects, including critical road infrastructure.

“We will ensure that a detailed list of abandoned projects is submitted promptly. I am confident this collaboration will bring significant benefits to Osun State,” Adeleke stated.

Stakeholders Call for Revival of Key Projects

At the meeting, Comrade Adeshina Abubarkar, Chairman of the Osun State NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, urged the Federal Government to prioritize the abandoned Machine Tool Factory and Steel Rolling projects in Osun.

Abubarkar also advocated for the revival of initiatives such as the Trader Money program to support market women across Nigeria.

This development signals a renewed focus on addressing longstanding issues in Osun and fostering economic growth through the completion of critical projects.

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The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, outlining plans for Adeleke’s second anniversary, which included the governor, along with the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, to lay the foundation for the new airport in Ede.

Led by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun Assembly lawmaker, Abiodun Awolola, the protesters gathered at the palace holding placards with inscription s such as: “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?”, “We say no to favouritism”, “Give us back our airport”, and “Relocating the airport to your hometown is nepotistic.”

Awolola, speaking on behalf of the community, condemned the governor’s decision, highlighting that over N20 billion had already been invested in the airport project by previous administrations.

He said: “Removing the airport in the original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favouritism which oppose to the oath of democracy he took when he was sworn in as the governor.

“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project but the reverse is the case now.  Unfortunately, Kolapo Alimi who served under the government of Rauf Aregbesola and now under Adeleke is the one stating reasons to relocate the airport despite knowing the level of work done and the billions of Naira that had been expended on it.

“The government decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.

The community called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Governor Adeleke from relocating the airport to his hometown, urging him to direct his ministers to refrain from attending any foundation-laying ceremony for the new project in Ede.

He added: “We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan and complete the airport because the decision can lead to a communal clash between Ido-Osun and Ede communities as they share boundaries.

“Citing encroachment as reasons for relocating the airport lack logic because their institution encroached that land before time. We have enough land for the airport.”

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