By Precious Oham
Justice Blessing Ajileye of the Ekiti State High Court, Ikole-Ekiti Judicial Division, has dismissed the claims filed by Prince Kolawole Ademola Oluwasiku, asking the court to declare that the selection, appointment and installation of Oba Gabriel Ayodeji Adejuwon as the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti as illegal, null and void.
The seven-year legal tussle on the Onisan chieftaincy stool, which began on 17th January, 2017 was filed by the Claimant through his Counsel, Oluwayomi Ojo, Esq, against the Ekiti State government.
The Court held that the appointment of the Oba was regular,legal and in compliance with the native law, custom, tradition of Onisan of lsan-Ekiti Chieftaincy stool and the Chiefs Law,Cap.C5,Laws of Ekiti State,2012.
Speaking with journalists after the judgement, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, who was represented by Director of Public Prosecutions in Ekiti State, and Counsel to 1st to 5th Defendants, Julius Ajibare, Esq, hailed the judgement saying that it was substantial and well researched.
Apata SAN urged the warring factions to sheathe their sword and embrace peace for the development of Isan-Ekiti.
According to him; “They are claiming that the appointment of the Oba was irregular and the court in the judgement today has resolved those two issues that the six kingmakers recognised under the 1984 chieftaincy declaration of Isan-Ekiti are the authentic kingmakers to perform the selection of the Onisan upon which the government appointed the Oba and gave him the staff and instruments of office. The court has confirmed that.
“The court also decided that the appointment of the Oba was legal, constitutional and was in accordance with the native law and custom of Isan-Ekiti and was regular.
“The court has confirmed the position of the government that the government did what was right and legal at the point of appointment of the incumbent Onisan of Isan-Ekiti.
“We appeal to the other side to sheath their sword and support the Oba to move the Town forward as development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.
On his part, Oba Adejuwon dedicated the victory to the people of Isan-Ekiti while extending his hands of fellowship to the other faction to come together for the betterment of the area.
“Today is a great victory because this issue has started since 2017 and here now the judgement has now been finalised. This victory is for the entire Isan-Ekiti people and those that have supported because I know it is the will of God.
“It is well accepted by the whole community except these few people. I believe the victory is for everyone. I have already extended the hand of fellowship to them. If they can change their mind to allow us the develop the community together.
“I thank the people of Isan-Ekiti for their support. I urge them to remain calm and allow peace to reign. This is a victory to the entire Isan Kingdom.”
Counsel to the Claimant said they will study the judgement and decide on the line of action; “We have done what we are supposed to do. When we get the judgement, we will be able to know the next step of action. I believe we have a very good ground to challenge the judgement.”