In a recent ruling, the Oyo High Court has ousted the Onifiditi of Fiditi and placed a temporary injunction on any further actions regarding the filling of the vacant stool. This decision came as a result of a lawsuit marked IHOY/59/2013, filed by Samuel Ogunkunle and Bayo Oyewale against the traditional ruler.
The suit named Oba Sakirudeen, Ademola Akande, Depo Oguntoyin, and Kunle Oniyitan as defendants, along with the Oyo State governor, the state Commissioner for Justice, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and Chief Adebola.
In his ruling, Justice K. B. Olawoyin ordered the removal of Oba Sakirudeen and issued an injunction preventing any further actions regarding the filling of the Onifiditi of Fiditi Stool. The court also nullified the presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Sakirudeen on October 18, 2021.
Additionally, Justice Olawoyin granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from taking any further actions towards filling the vacant stool until the suit is determined. The court scheduled further hearings for May 22, 2024.
Legal representatives for both parties appeared in court, with R. A. Olawuwo and B. M. Olimene representing the claimants and P. O. Alamu, O.A. Okeyinka, and N. A. Abiola representing the defendants.
Furthermore, Justice Olawoyin awarded a cost of N200,000 in favor of the applicants against the defendants. The ruling brings temporary closure to the contentious issue surrounding the Onifiditi of Fiditi stool.
Source: The PUNCH
