An Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed a suit challenging the appointment of Princes Adenike Ogundahunsi as the regent of Araromi Obo Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The suit, with no HAD/07/2023 was filed by Princess T.O Ajayi Olowokere, Chief Lawrence Alabi of Owa-Olobo in Council and Pa Francis Adedara of Owa Olobo Chieftaincy Ruling House, Araromi-Obo Ekiti.
Joined in the suit was the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji, the Attorney General, Dayo Apata SAN, the Executive Secretary of Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman, Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Pa Joshua Bankole and Adenike Ogundahunsi.
The Court, presided over by Justice Olalekan Olatawura, also refused to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mrs Adenike Ogundahunsi from parading herself as the regent of Araromi-Obo, Ekiti State.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Paul Akomolafe had argued that Princess Ogundahunsi was not the rightful person for the throne, hence she should be sent packing.
The defendants’ witnesses led by their counsels, James Olowoyo, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice representing the 1st-4th defendants and Kayode Oyeyemi representing the 5th-6th defendants, also adopted their witness statement on oath dated 5th April, 2024.
After careful consideration of the facts of the case placed before the Court, Justice Olalekan Olatawura in his judgement failed to grant the prayer of the plaintiff.
Justice Alatawura said: ”In my considered view, since the law and governance abhors a vacuum, common sense dictates that it will be in the interest of justice if the 6th defendant continues to act as a Regent and perform her duties as the interim ruler of Araromi-Obo, Ekiti until such time as the kingship tussle is determined one way or the other, or the Governor and/or the Ekiti State government determine otherwise.
“This I believe is a situation under section 4 (2) of the regency law 2015 which provides that the tenure of the regent may also be extended by the Governor.
“In any event, the government and Governor of Ekiti State and or the Executive Council of Ekiti State having not asked her to stop performing as Regent presumes that they are not opposed to her being regent for six months.
“I therefore, refuse to make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 6th defendant from further acting as Regent in the circumstances.
“In all, this action fails and same is accordingly dismissed. Parties shall bear their respective costs”.
