An Ekiti State High Court has ordered the removal of Oba Femi Olugbesoye as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti due to his failure to adhere to traditional coronation rites.
The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Prince Olakunle Fadare and four others, who argued that Olugbesoye did not perform the necessary rituals.
The judge, Justice Jide Aladejana, pronounced, “I consequently declare that the failure and refusal of the first defendant to present himself for coronation rites by the Aoropare in line with the Native Law and Custom of Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti is wrongful.
“I also order the second to fifth defendants to depose the first defendant as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti in line with the Customary Law of Iloro Ekiti.
“I make an order of injunction restraining the first defendant from parading himself as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti.
“Finally, I make an order of injunction restraining the second to fifth defendants from dealing with or recognising the first defendant as the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti.”
The claimants approached the court in April 2022, seeking a declaration regarding Oba Femi Olugbesoye’s failure to present himself for traditional coronation rites.
They argued that the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti lacks authority over the Oluloro chieftaincy and sought his removal as Oluloro.
In defense, Olugbesoye denied violating customs and contended that the court lacked jurisdiction.
The other defendants also sought dismissal of the suit, calling it “grossly incompetent.”
However, Olugbesoye’s counsel, Owoseni Ajayi, confirmed that an appeal had been filed against the judgment.
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