Dethronement: Odo-Ayedun monarch appeals judgment

The Owa of Odo-Ayedun in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade, has filed a stay of execution and an appeal against the judgment of an Ekiti State High Court which ordered his dethronement.

One of the princes in the community, Adekunle Adeniyi, had challenged his selection and appointment as the Owa of Odo-Ayedun and his prayers were granted by the state’s High Court sitting in Ikole-Ekiti.

According to a statement by Oba Ajibade, since he had filed a stay of execution and an appeal at the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Court of Appeal, he still remains the Owa, saying “there is nothing to celebrate by the petitioner in the judgment given by the lower court.”

He, therefore, urged the people of Odo-Ayedun to remain peaceful and calm, noting that the peaceful coexistence of members of the community was paramount to him and it should be  so to every member of the community.

Oba Ajibade said law enforcement agents had been mobilised to deal with persons who might want to capitalise on the kingship crisis to cause chaos and anarchy.

The traditional ruler also warned against unauthorised installation of chiefs in the town, insisting that he still reserves the powers to appoint chiefs.

He said: “We are aware of the recent development in our community, as a result of the judgment delivered by a High Court in respect of the obaship of Odo-Ayedun-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area.

“We have appealed against that ruling at the Court of Appeal and we have also filed a stay of execution of the judgment delivered by the lower court.

“Therefore, there is nothing to celebrate about the judgment given at the lower court.

“Since there are grounds for appeal up to the Supreme Court, the petitioner should know that he is into a long haul.

“I, therefore, appeal to all and sundry in Odo-Ayedun community to be law-abiding. Our peaceful coexistence is of paramount importance to me as the crowned king of Odo-Ayedun-Ekiti.

The obaship constitution  gives the Oba the power to elect any chief he wishes to. There are serious consequences for anybody in any community who instals a chief without the authority of the Kabiyesi.

“I, HRM Oba Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade (JP) Ajigbotoluwa 1,  the Owa of Odo-Ayedun-Ekiti, hereby appreciate all the traditional rulers both in Ekiti and outside, who came to visit me. I also appreciate my chiefs, youths, elders and leaders from all walks of life.”