An Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim order restraining the state government from appointing or recognising any person as monarch of Alagbon community in Ugbo, Ilaje Local Government Area.
Presiding Judge, Justice T.M. Adedipe, granted the injunction in response to a motion filed by representatives of the Alagbon community under Suit No. HOK/76/2022.
The suit, filed by D.J. Ayenowo Esq. of the law firm Sola Ebiseni and Associates, challenges what the community described as the state’s imposition of a non-indigenous monarch.
The court granted three key reliefs:
An order restraining the defendants and their agents from appointing or recognising any Oba in Alagbon, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
An order barring the government from taking any step that may undermine the fair resolution of the matter or render the eventual judgment ineffectual.
A nullification of any previous action taken—such as issuance of a staff of office—toward installing any individual as Oba of Alagbon until the legal process is concluded.
The legal tussle stems from the state’s approval of Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer “Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon,” reportedly based on the recommendations of the Justice Ajama Chieftaincy Commission White Paper.
However, key community leaders—including the Asogbon of Ugbo Kingdom, High Chief Isiah Adewole Demehin, and the Baale of Alagbon, Chief Mallon Ogede—have resisted the move.
They argue that the Gbogunron family, which Prince Ajaka hails from, lacks indigenous roots in Alagbon and has no legitimate claim to any royal title in the town.
The plaintiffs also allege that a serving commissioner in the Aiyedatiwa administration—believed to be from the Gbogunron lineage—used his position to influence the government’s decision.
Despite the pending suit, the Ondo State Executive Council, on July 30, confirmed Ajaka’s appointment alongside that of Prince Isiaka Oseni as the new Alale of Akungba.
In swift response, the Alagbon community approached the court, seeking redress and reversal of all government actions regarding the monarch’s installation.
A senior official of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who preferred anonymity, confirmed receipt of the court order, stating that the government would comply fully, in line with its respect for the rule of law.
Court documents confirm that all key stakeholders—including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Attorney General, the Secretary to the State Government, the Olugbo of Ugbo, and the Gbogunron family’s legal counsel, Prince Idowu Mafimisebi—have been formally served.
The matter has been adjourned until October 9, 2025, after the court’s annual vacation.
