…Say earlier 14-day interim injunction expired without renewal
…Regent urges speedy appointment of monarch, appeals for peace and development
…Call for accurate reporting of court proceedings and respect for due process
The Kingmakers and Traditional Chiefs of Ojo Town in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State have expressed concern over reports suggesting that the succession process to the vacant stool of the Olojo of Ojo has been indefinitely restrained by a court order, describing the controversy as unfortunate and capable of delaying the development of the ancient community.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and signed by Alhaji Akanji Nurudeen Opatunde, former Councillor representing Ojo/Aro Ward 9 in Egbedore Local Government Area, the traditional stakeholders called for an accurate presentation of the facts surrounding the ongoing chieftaincy litigation.
The statement maintained that Ojo remains a peaceful, united and progressive community whose people should not be deprived of the benefits of traditional leadership and grassroots development because of prolonged succession disputes.
According to the statement, an earlier interim injunction granted in March 2026 was limited to 14 days and, according to the community’s legal representatives, expired without renewal or extension.
It explained that the motion on notice filed in March had not been argued or determined, while questions concerning the competence of the substantive action remained outstanding.
The statement also acknowledged reports of a subsequent interim order reportedly made by the High Court sitting in Ede on October 29, 2026, stressing that the legal effect of any such order must be established from the authenticated court record and addressed through appropriate judicial procedures.
“It is important that the public understands the distinction between an interim injunction that has expired, a motion on notice awaiting determination and any subsequent judicial order. Court proceedings must not be misrepresented or presented as a final determination of the succession dispute,” the statement emphasised.
The stakeholders maintained that the continued vacancy of the Olojo stool has created an avoidable leadership gap, particularly in community mobilisation, economic advancement, cultural preservation and the coordination of grassroots development initiatives.
They consequently appealed to the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, to give the succession matter urgent attention within the limits of the law and all subsisting judicial directives.
“Ojo is a peaceful community. Our people deserve the same opportunities for progress and development being enjoyed by other communities across Osun State. We appeal to Governor Adeleke to ensure that all lawful avenues towards resolving the succession dispute are pursued without unnecessary delay.”
Speaking on the development, the Regent of Ojo Land, High Chief Jamiu Falowo, appealed to the state government to facilitate the lawful emergence of a new traditional ruler, describing the absence of a substantive monarch as a major concern to the people.
“Ojo is very peaceful. We believe the government will listen to our appeal and bring development to our people. Traditional leadership is important to the economic and social progress of any community. We are patiently but earnestly waiting for the Osun State Government to appoint a king for our community in Ojo,” he said.
High Chief Falowo urged all sons and daughters of Ojo, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain calm, united and law-abiding while the outstanding legal and administrative issues are being addressed.
He also appealed to journalists and media organisations to verify information concerning sensitive chieftaincy disputes, particularly where court proceedings and interim judicial orders are involved.
The statement reaffirmed the community’s respect for the judiciary and the statutory responsibilities of the Osun State Government in traditional institution matters, stressing that the selection and appointment of a new Olojo must follow established customs, applicable laws and due process.
It expressed confidence that the outstanding issues would be resolved peacefully and expeditiously, paving the way for the emergence of a duly recognised monarch and renewed development in Ojo Town.
“Our appeal is for justice, peace and progress. Ojo deserves a substantive traditional ruler, a united community and a future of sustainable development. We must not allow unnecessary controversies to deny our people these legitimate aspirations.”
The statement concluded by appealing to all stakeholders to place the collective interest of Ojo above personal differences and work towards a peaceful resolution of the succession process.
