The Ogun State High Court in Sagamu has nullified the installation of Olugbenga Somade as the Akufon of Idarika, Iperu Remo, Ogun State, declaring the process illegal and ordering the immediate revocation of all related documents.
Delivering the ruling, Justice O.S. Oloyede ordered Somade to cease presenting himself as the Akufon of Idarika, emphasizing that the staff of office, certificate of office, and coronation ceremony have all been rendered void.
The verdict follows a suit filed by the head of the Igundaniyan ruling house, Pa Fasasi Ogunmuyiwa, and Prince Moshood Onakoya, who challenged Somade’s claim to the throne and sought the court’s intervention to halt the installation.
Justice Oloyede underscored that both parties must maintain the status quo, criticizing the Executive Council and the Attorney General for disregarding an injunction against the defendants. The court condemned their actions as a blatant violation of due process.
“This application succeeds and is granted, effectively nullifying Somade’s appointment and ordering the return of all related documents,” the judge ruled.
The court stressed that no party should benefit from actions taken in defiance of ongoing legal proceedings. “Where a party deliberately proceeds with an act despite being aware of a pending court process, such misconduct cannot be condoned,” Justice Oloyede stated.
With this ruling, all approvals, enthronement, and coronation of Olugbenga Somade as Akufon of Idarika stand annulled, restoring the legal status quo until the court fully resolves the case.
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