The Ogun State High Court sitting in Ilaro has brought an end to the protracted leadership crisis that engulfed the Igbogila traditional institution in Yewa North Local Government Area, restoring the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to its lawful status and nullifying the controversial suspension of five traditional chiefs.
The landmark judgment, delivered by Justice I.B. Awofeso on June 2, 2026, adopted the terms of a settlement agreement reached by parties in Suit No. HCY/03/2023, effectively ending years of disputes that had threatened the unity and stability of the ancient community’s traditional governance structure.
The suit was instituted by ten chiefs led by the Basorun of Igbogila, Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade, on behalf of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs. The claimants challenged actions allegedly taken against members of the council, including the purported suspension and removal of some chiefs and what they described as interference in the administration of the traditional institution.
At the heart of the dispute was the question of who possesses legitimate authority over the affairs of the Igbogila traditional institution under Yoruba, Yewa, and Igbogila native law and custom.
The claimants argued that princes of a ruling house had no customary authority to interfere with or assume powers vested in the Olu of Igbogila and the Council of Chiefs. They further contended that the alleged suspension of five chiefs was irregular and lacked legitimacy under established traditional procedures.
The chiefs also sought judicial intervention to invalidate the purported suspension, restrain unauthorized interference in the affairs of the traditional institution, and nullify chieftaincy titles allegedly conferred without the approval of the recognized Council of Chiefs.
Court Backs Settlement Process
Court records revealed that the matter took a significant turn on June 26, 2024, when the judge previously handling the case, Justice O.S. Oloyede, advised all parties to pursue an amicable resolution and referred the dispute to the Multi-Door Courthouse in Abeokuta for mediation.
Following the referral, several reconciliation meetings were held. While the claimants and the 11th and 12th defendants successfully reached a compromise, the 2nd to 10th defendants reportedly withdrew from the mediation process.
The legal landscape shifted further when the court struck out the names of the 2nd to 10th defendants from the suit after determining that they had no constitutional role in the administration of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs. Following that ruling, the claimants withdrew their claims against them.
As part of the settlement agreement eventually adopted by the court, all parties agreed to restore the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to the composition that existed before the dispute, specifically as constituted on November 12, 2022.
The agreement also declared the purported suspension and removal of the five chiefs invalid, maintaining that the action was not carried out by the late Olu of Igbogila, His Royal Highness Oba Ebenezer Osungade Olanloye, and therefore lacked legitimacy.
Ajibade Recognized as Acting Head
In adopting the settlement terms, Justice Awofeso endorsed the immediate resumption of council meetings and traditional administrative activities in a peaceful and open environment.
The court also recognized Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade as Acting Head of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs pending the selection and installation of a substantive Olu of Igbogila.
The judgment effectively restores the authority of the traditional council and provides a framework for the continuation of governance within the community while the process of selecting a new monarch progresses.
‘Victory for Justice and Tradition’
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the claimants, Barrister Adegbenro Ogungbade, described the ruling as a major victory for justice, due process, and the preservation of the customs and traditions of Igbogila.
According to him, the court’s adoption of the settlement agreement has restored the traditional council to its lawful composition and reaffirmed the invalidity of the suspension imposed on the affected chiefs.
He said the judgment reinforces the principle that traditional institutions must be governed strictly in accordance with established native law, customs, and due process.
Ogungbade maintained that the ruling effectively returns governance of the traditional institution to duly recognized chiefs appointed under native law and custom, while ending attempts by unauthorized individuals to exercise control over the affairs of the community.
He expressed optimism that the judgment would foster reconciliation and unity among all stakeholders and create a conducive atmosphere for the emergence of a new monarch.
Community Leaders Welcome Ruling
Also speaking on behalf of the claimants, the Elemo of Igbogila, Chief Semiu K. Banmeke, described the judgment as a triumph for justice, peace, and the preservation of the town’s cultural heritage.
He said the ruling had resolved issues that had threatened the cohesion of the traditional institution and expressed confidence that the community would emerge stronger and more united.
Banmeke disclosed that preparations for the selection and installation of a new Olu of Igbogila would commence in earnest, noting that the judgment had restored the traditional council with all its powers and authority.
He expressed hope that the process would proceed peacefully and without rancour, adding that the court-backed settlement had laid a solid foundation for lasting harmony within the community.
The traditional chief also commended the Ogun State Judiciary, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ogun State Government, community youths, media practitioners, and indigenes of Igbogila for supporting the pursuit of justice and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
For many residents, the judgment marks the end of a turbulent chapter in the history of the ancient town and opens a new phase of reconciliation, stability, and preparation for the emergence of a new traditional ruler.
Leave a comment