Nigeria: Legal Intervention: Court Halts Installation of New Aree-elect, Orders Adeleke
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
In a significant legal development, an Osun State High Court in Osogbo has issued an injunction restraining State Governor Ademola Adeleke from presenting the certificate, instrument, or staff of office to the newly appointed Aree-elect, Prince Muritala Oyelakin.
The court’s intervention follows Governor Adeleke’s approval in March 2024 of Prince Oyelakin’s selection as the new Area of Iree, subsequent to the annulment of the appointment of Oba Raphael Ponle by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022.
Prince Alli Afolabi, aggrieved by the selection process and alleging fraud, initiated legal action against the Governor, seeking the nullification of Oyelakin’s appointment.
Despite the state government’s plans for the official installation and presentation of instruments of office to the Aree-elect scheduled for May 3, 2024, the deposed monarch, Oba Ponle, sought an injunction through a motion ex-parte to prevent the issuance of certificates or formal installation of Prince Oyelakin.
In response to Oba Ponle’s application, the State High Court, presided over by Justice M.O. Awe, granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Governor, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Boripe North Local Council Development Area from issuing certificates or instruments of office to Prince Oyelakin, pending further legal proceedings.
The court emphasized the need to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
Consequently, the order prohibits the issuance of certificates, instruments, or staff of office to Prince Oyelakin, effectively halting his formal installation as the Aree of Iree until the matter is resolved through due legal process.
