An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the removal of the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, Oba Femi Olugbesoye, due to his failure to adhere to traditional customs and coronation rites.
Justice Jide Aladejana delivered the judgment, which was made public in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, following a suit filed by Prince Olakunle Fadare and four others.
The plaintiffs challenged the legitimacy of Olugbesoye’s ascension, asserting that he did not undergo the customary rites required by tradition. Despite the defense’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction, the judge ruled in favor of the claimants.
Justice Aladejana stated, “I consequently declare that the failure and refusal of the first defendant to present himself for coronation rites by the Aoropare in line with the Native Law and Custom of Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti is wrongful.”
He further ordered the second to fifth defendants to depose Olugbesoye from his position as Oluloro.
Additionally, an injunction was placed restraining Olugbesoye from presenting himself as the Oluloro, and the second to fifth defendants were prohibited from recognizing or dealing with him in that capacity.
The case, which began in April 2022, also involved a dispute over whether the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti had the authority to install or coronate the Oluloro. The claimants argued that the Ajero did not possess any traditional or legal rights in this regard.
In response, Olugbesoye denied violating the customs of Iloro Ekiti and maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction. His legal team, led by counsel Owoseni Ajayi, indicated they had filed an appeal, stating, “We are on appeal, but we have not been given a date yet.”
