Aseyin stool: Court grants leave for amendment application, adjourns proceedings

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned further proceedings and granted leave for the amendment of the application filed by the claimants on the disputed Aseyin chieftaincy stool till June 1, 2026.

The claimants have sought leave to amend the originating processes to incorporate additional facts considered necessary for the fair determination of the case.

The suit, marked HSY/4/2023, has generated widespread interest across Iseyinland, with the Ogbolu/Oluwole family challenging what they described as their wrongful exclusion from the recognised royal lineages entitled to ascend the Aseyin stool, currently contested by the Akando, Majaro and Olugbile families.

During the proceedings, the court heard submissions from counsel to both parties before ruling in favour of the claimants’ application, thereby paving the way for further filings by all parties ahead of the substantive hearing.

Ruling on the application, Justice Olusola Adeyemi held that it was meritorious and essential for the proper adjudication of the issues before the court.

She stated: “The application for amendment is hereby granted in the interest of justice, to allow for the proper ventilation of all material facts before the court.“

“Parties are accordingly directed to file and exchange their consequential processes within the time prescribed.”

Speaking to journalists after the sitting, lead counsel to the claimants, Mr Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, described the ruling as a significant procedural milestone.

He said: “In court this morning, we moved an application in the Iseyin chieftaincy dispute seeking leave to amend our processes so as to incorporate all relevant facts necessary for the court to determine the matter fairly and justly.“

“The application has been on file since May 2025, but owing to certain circumstances, including the fact that the matter was initially instituted in Iseyin before being transferred here, it had not been taken until today. We are, however, grateful that it has now been heard, as this marks a significant step forward.“

“What remains is for the state, the first to third defendants, and the fourth and fifth defendants, being the other parties, to file their respective consequential amendments.“

“Once this is done, we will be in a position to fix a date for trial and proceed with the hearing of the matter, which is the outcome all parties are anticipating.“

“The defendants are representatives of the present Aseyin of Iseyin. From the historical account, it is evident and indeed admitted by the defendants that our own lineage occupied and governed the Aseyin stool for over 460 years, whereas the current ruling house has been in place since 1820.“

“It is in light of these historical circumstances, which underpin both our original occupation and their subsequent emergence, that we now seek to properly present and clarify the record.“

“We have meticulously laid these facts before the court, and I am confident that once fully presented, they will enable the court to arrive at a clear and just determination of the issues in dispute.”

Also speaking, counsel to the defendants, Dr Kemi Fowosola, outlined the implications of the amended claim and provided historical context to the dispute.

She stated: “The claimant’s counsel moved an application to amend their claim, which the court has now granted. The substance of the claim is to seek the inclusion of the Oniganbo family among those entitled to the Stool of Aseyin.“

“At present, three families, Akando, Olugbile, and Majaro, are recognised as entitled to the stool. The Oniganbo family is seeking recognition as a fourth entitled family.“

“Historically, the Oniganbo family had been part of the ruling arrangement but withdrew at some point due to allegations that their children were dying prematurely. For approximately 206 years, however, they have sought reinstatement as one of the entitled families.“

“The matter was instituted in 2024. It initially commenced in Iseyin before being transferred to Ibadan. With the amendment now granted, the defendants have fourteen days from the date of service to respond.“

“I appeared this morning for the fourth and fifth defendants, who represent the Akando, Olugbile, and Majaro families. The first to third defendants are represented by the Ministry of Justice, with Mrs Adedeji appearing on their behalf,“ she stated.