An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has stopped the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke from presenting certificate/instrument or staff of office to the new Aree-elect, Prince Muritala Oyelakin.
It would be recalled that the State Governor had in March 2024, approved the selection of the Prince as the new Area of Iree after it nullified the appointment of Oba Raphael Ponle, who was appointed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022.
After the approval, an aggrieved Prince, Alli Afolabi had dragged the Governor to court, asking the court to nullify the selection of Oyelakin for abuse of due process and being a fraud.
Meanwhile, the state government had slated Saturday, May 3, 2024 for the official installation and presentation of instrument of office for the Aree-elect.
However, the deposed monarch, Oba Ponle approach the State High Court presided over by Justice M. O. Awe through a motion ex-perte, sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the State Governor, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Boripe North Local Council Development Area from issuing Prince Oyelakin with a certificate, instrument and/or staff of office as the Aree of Iree, or formally installing him as the community monarch.
The ex-perte order with suit number HOS/20/2024 dated May 3, 2024 which certified true copy was obtained same day by Vanguard has Governor Ademola Adeleke, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Boripe North LCDA, Iree kingmakers and the Aree-elect as defendants.
The court disclosed that considering the deposition of the applicant, his application is deemed successful.
It then ordered, “There is indeed an urgent need to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction also filed in respect of same matter.
“Accordingly, the Claimant/Applicant’s application succeeds and it is hereby ORDERED AS PRAYED. And specifically, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Respondents are hereby restrained from issuing the 9th Defendant (Prince Muritala Oyelakin) with a Certificate, instrument and/ or Staff of Office as the Aree of Iree or taking any further steps in formally Installing him.”
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