The Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal sitting in Ado-Ekiti has set aside the judgment of the Ilasa Customary Court in a family land dispute involving the Adetunbi and Ajibola branches of the Osanyinrotupin family.
In a judgement delivered on June 30, 2025, Justice Olufolakemi Ogundele, alongside Justices Monisola Abodunde and Rotimi Adegboye, ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The appeal, filed by Dare Ogunlade and Omolayo Adetunji, challenged the lower court’s handling of a suit filed in the name of a non-juristic entity, “Late Oba Ajibola Family.”
The appellate court faulted the trial panel, Mrs. F. O. Oyeleye (President), Olaoye Joseph, and S. O. Adeyeye, for irregular amendments and breaches of procedure.
Declaring the proceedings null and void, the Court ordered a retrial before a new panel, underscoring the importance of due process in land disputes.
