*** Refrains From Ruling on Boundary Demarcation
the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal has upheld the exclusive authority of the Obalaaye of Ejiyan-Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adepoju, to appoint minor chiefs within his autonomous community.
In a judgment delivered on June 30, 2025, the court, presided over by Hon. Justice Monisola Abodunde held that Ejiyan-Ekiti, having been granted autonomy since 2012, has full control over its internal chieftaincy matters, free from interference by the Olupoti of Ipoti-Ekiti, Oba Oladipupo Kolade.
Justice Abodunde reiterated that once a community is granted autonomy under the law, its traditional ruler becomes the sole authority over minor chieftaincy appointments in the region.
While the court ruled in favour of the Obalaaye on key issues of autonomy and authority, it however declined to determine the validity of already conferred titles or grant injunctions, citing jurisdictional limits due to pending boundary demarcation by the appropriate authorities.
According to His Lordship, where territorial boundaries remain unsettled, the judiciary must avoid deciding matters that are reserved for executive determination.
Other members of the Appellate Court panel, Justices Rotimi Adegboye and Lawrence Ojo agreed with the lead judgement, noting that the claimants’ case succeeds in part.
