By LEVI JOHNSON

Ruling Highlights Non-Compliance with Traditional Coronation Rites

An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the deposition of Oba Femi Olugbesoye, the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, due to his failure to comply with native laws and customs regarding coronation rites. The ruling was delivered by Justice Jide Aladejana in a judgment made available to newsmen.

Background of the Case

Oba Olugbesoye was appointed as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti on December 21, 2019, by the Ekiti State Executive Council. However, Prince Olakunle Fadare and four other claimants filed a suit challenging Olugbesoye’s ascendancy to the throne, alleging that he did not perform the necessary traditional rites required for his coronation.

Court Findings and Judgment

In the ruling delivered on **September 30, 2024**, Justice Aladejana ruled in favor of the claimants, stating that Olugbesoye’s failure to present himself for coronation rites by the Aoropare was wrongful. The court declared:

– The failure and refusal of Oba Olugbesoye to present himself for the required coronation rites violated the customs of Iloro Ekiti.
– An order was issued for the second to fifth defendants to depose Oba Olugbesoye as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti according to the customary laws.
– An injunction was placed to restrain Olugbesoye from parading himself as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti.
– Additionally, the second to fifth defendants were restrained from recognizing or dealing with Olugbesoye in his capacity as Oluloro.

Claimants’ Objectives

The claimants sought several declarations from the court, including:
– The assertion that Olugbesoye’s failure to present himself for coronation rites was wrongful.
– A declaration that the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti is not a prescribed authority over the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti chieftaincy, thereby lacking the traditional or legal right to install or coronate an Oluloro.

Defense and Counterclaims

In defense, Oba Olugbesoye denied the allegations and argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, suggesting that the claimants should have pursued judicial review or an order of mandamus instead. The second to fifth defendants also supported the dismissal of the suit, labeling it as “grossly incompetent” and an “abuse of court process.”

Appeal Process

Following the judgment, Owoseni Ajayi, counsel for the first defendant, confirmed that an appeal has been filed against the ruling, though a date for the appeal hearing has not yet been determined.

Conclusion

The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to traditional laws and customs in chieftaincy matters within Ekiti State. The case of Oba Olugbesoye serves as a significant reminder of the legal implications of non-compliance with customary practices in the governance of traditional institutions.