By Oluseye Ojo
Ahead of Thursday, December 14, that the Oyo State Government has fixed to present the staff of office to the newly appointed Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, a legal practitioner, Abideen Adeniran, has called on the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to suspend planned action on the presentation of the staff of office.
He cited an ongoing lawsuit over the contest for the ancient town’s stool, contending that proceeding with the appointment would not be in the interest of justice, peace, and good governance.
According to him, there is a pending suit, marked HOI/04/2023, before the Oyo State High Court, which the state government should consider.
Adeniran, who is the counsel for Prince Abdulganiyu Oladeni Bolanle and others Vs Seyi Makinde, Attorney General of Oyo State, Mogaji Amusa Ariori, and the Ikolaba of Iseyin, who is the kingmakers’ representative, advised the government to stay action, until the court has made a decision.
The planned presentation of the staff of office to the newly appointed Aseyin of Iseyin, by Governor Makinde, as gathered, has been causing quite a stir.
Adeniran reminded the governor that it was crucial to respect the law, pointing out that when an injunction has been applied for and is pending before a court, it is important not to take any action that could affect the subject matter of the injunction, even if no restraining order has been issued.
He referred to a previous case, Governor of Lagos State Vs Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, where the Supreme Court made it clear that after being notified of a pending suit seeking an injunction, a defendant acts at their own peril. The court has the power to restore the status wholly, irrespective of the ultimate decision.
Adeniran requested that the Oyo State Governor refrain from filling the vacant stool until the motion for interlocutory injunction is heard and determined by the High Court. He emphasised the need for the governor to remain neutral and not allow the opponents to take advantage of the situation.
The suit filed by Adeniran’s clients sought various declarations and orders, including a declaration that the descendants of the founder of Iseyin, are entitled to produce the traditional ruler of the town. They also sought an order directing the defendants to invite the claimants’ family to present the next candidates for the Aseyin of Iseyin appointment.
Adeniran expressed concern that despite the ongoing lawsuit, preparations were already underway by the families representing the defendants, to install a new Aseyin. This, he argued, has raised questions about the respect for due legal process, and the potential disregard for the court’s authority.
The Oyo State Government had formally announced, some days ago, the presentation of staff of office, and coronation of the new Aseyin of Iseyin. This announcement was made known in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
The Chief of Staff to the governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, is chairman of the coronation committee set up by the state government. Members of the committee also include Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Segun Olayiwola, and his counterparts from the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, and Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; as well as the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Sunday Odukoya.