CHIEFTAINCY TUSSLE: IRALEPO HEADS TO SUPREME COURT OVER APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT
By Sanya Adegbenro
The Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, has filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure.
Last week, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Ondo State Government cannot admit the Chieftaincy title of Iralepo of Isinkan into Part 1 of the Chiefs Law of Ondo State without the concurrence, agreement, and consent of the Deji of Akure.
Delivering the summary of the judgment, Justice Fadawu Umaru, sitting as a sole judge, further restrained the Ondo State Government from recognizing or appointing the Iralepo under Part 1 of the Chiefs Law without the Deji of Akure’s approval.
The ruling followed an appeal filed by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, challenging an earlier judgment by Justice A. O. Odusola (now Chief Judge of Ondo State). Justice Odusola had upheld the elevation of the Iralepo stool, a move first approved by the administration of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu in 2005. This led to the appointment of Oba Olufunmilayo Ojo as the Iralepo of Isinkan in Akure South Local Government.
Following Oba Olufunmilayo’s transition in 2021, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu appointed his son, Olugbenga Ojo, as the new Iralepo—a decision strongly contested by the Deji of Akure.
Speaking after the judgment, Chief Sola Ebiseni, lead counsel for the Iralepo of Isinkan, clarified that the ruling does not affect the Iralepo stool or its incumbent occupant.
“The Iralepo of Isinkan has existed from time immemorial. The incumbent remains in office, while the Supreme Court will determine whether the Ondo State Government requires the consent of any traditional ruler to upgrade another under the Chiefs Law,” Ebiseni stated.
The verdict has heightened tension in the state capital. Over the weekend, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged for calm, emphasizing that the case remains in litigation until all legal avenues are exhausted at the Supreme Court.
Documents obtained by journalists confirm that the Isinkan community has officially filed an appeal at the apex court.
