Ondo oba-elect kicks against rival appointment amid litigation

The Oba-elect of Bolorunduro Kingdom in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Samuel Fawehinmi, has expressed displeasure over the appointment of another monarch by the state government in the same community.

The State Executive Council last week approved the appointment of Prof Thompson Akinifesi as the Ekingbade of Bolorunduro.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, who announced the appointment, said it would usher in a new era in the community, which is the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.

Speaking on the development, Fawehinmi described the appointment of Prof Akinnifesi as an infraction of the rule of law and an affront to the judiciary, adding that the matter over the obaship of the town was still in court.

‎In a statement he signed and made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, Fawehinmi urged the public to disregard the announcement.

‎He stated that he was appointed as the monarch of the town by the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, but the installation stalled following a court case.‎

‎Fawehinmi stated that “The stool of the Oba of Bolorunduro is currently subject to litigation before the Ondo State High Court in Suit No. HOD/53/2023 between Samuel Oladipupo Fawehinmi and others versus the Executive Governor of Ondo State and others, in which Prof Akinnifesi is the 8th defendant/counter-claimant.

‎Giving a brief background, Fawehinmi said: “The Ondo State Government, by a letter dated November 22, 2022, during the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, issued an appointment letter to me as the Adegbalu of Bolorunduro.”

‎The embattled oba-elect noted that it was the foot-dragging of the state government to properly install him as the traditional ruler that led to the suit.

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‎”The Ondo State Government is aware of the suit and is represented by lawyers, while Prof Akinnifesi is also represented and has counter-claimed, asking the court to declare him as the Oba of Bolorunduro. The case has been adjourned to October 6, 2026.

‎”It is, therefore, amazing that the same government that should be the custodian of the law has now treated the court with the highest disdain and contempt by appointing Prof Akinnifesi while the case is pending.‎

‎”This action is illegal, disrespectful to our tradition, and amounts to contempt of court,” Fawehinmi noted

‎‎He maintained that his emergence followed due consultation with kingmakers and was in accordance with customs and the chieftaincy declaration.

‎”The matter is sub judice; the law expects all parties to maintain the status quo until judgment is delivered,” he said, stressing that “the imposition has divided the community and brought tension to the otherwise peaceful town.”

‎‎He urged all the residents of the community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the judiciary remained the last hope of the common man.

‎He also appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to look into the matter, stressing that the government must uphold the rule of law.

‎”Bolorunduro deserves a king chosen by tradition, not by politics,” Fawehinmi concluded.