An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has restrained the Ondo State Executive Council from approving the appointment of a new Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, pending the determination of a suit challenging the process.
Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice F.S. Akinbinu, issued the order in Suit No. HCAK/558/CIV/2025, filed by the Akinboro Family of the Lagokun Ruling House, Alade-Idanre. The court also directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
The suit, filed on December 31, 2025, challenges the appointment of warrant chiefs by the state government for the purpose of selecting a new Aladeokun.
The claimants argue that under Section 9 of the Ondo State Chiefs Law, warrant chiefs may only be appointed where existing kingmakers are unable to form a quorum due to deaths.
According to the Akinboro Family, the legally recognised kingmakers had already met, formed the statutorily required quorum—half of their number as provided under Section 9(1) of the Chiefs Law—and duly reminded Otunba Ademola Akinboro-Akingbaso from the Akinboro Family, whose turn it is to produce the next Aladeokun.
At proceedings held on February 4, 2026, counsel to the claimants, Mr. Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, informed the court that despite the pendency of the suit and service of originating processes and a motion for injunction, the warrant chiefs proceeded to appoint Chief Ayo Akinnadeju as the new Aladeokun at a meeting allegedly boycotted by the original kingmakers.
Counsel to the warrant chiefs, Chief O.S. Akintububo, and Chief Sola Ebiseni, who appeared for Chief Ayo Akinnadeju, confirmed that an appointment had been made but opposed the application seeking to restrain the State Executive Council from taking further steps.
Counsel to the kingmakers, Mrs. Yetunde Ademigoke, dissociated the kingmakers from the actions of the warrant chiefs and did not oppose an order maintaining the status quo.
Although counsel to the Ondo State Government, Mr. F.S. Akinnibosun, was absent, he confirmed—through Chief Ebiseni—the receipt of the motion for injunction and requested time to respond.
In his ruling, Justice Akinbinu ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and specifically restrained the Ondo State Executive Council from approving the appointment of Chief Ayo Akinnadeju as Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre.
The court also ordered an accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to February 18, 2026.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Mr. Emodamori described the court’s orders as firm and just, saying his clients were satisfied with the decision and expressing confidence in the judiciary as the “last hope of the oppressed.”
