Court dismisses suit against suspended Osun monarch

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

There was confusion in Ireland, Boripe Local Government of Osun State as the state High Court, Ikirun, yesterday, dismissed the suit challenging the appointment and installation of Aree of Iree, Oba Raphael Oluponle.

The suit was instituted by Chiefs Olufemi Afolabi (Ojomu of Ireeland), Sobalaje Ajao (Osolo), Saliu Atoyebi (Aogun), Sanusi Babawale (Inunrin), and James Bankole (Jagun of Ireeland) against the state governor, Commissioner for Local Government, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, the Attorney General of the state, Mrs. Serifatu Adebayo (warrant chief), and Prince Raphael Ponle.

The matter had been fixed for judgment on December 14, 2023, before the judiciary workers (JUSUN) embarked on strike. During the strike, a white paper came out after the suspension of the sixth defendant, Oba Oluponnle, and advised the parties to withdraw the suits in court to allow a fresh selection of another King.

While the parties were waiting for the court to resume, the state government announced the appointment of Prince Muritala Oyelakin as the new Aree of Iree.

However, when the court resumed yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Olaide Abiodun, notified the court of the intention to discontinue the case and urged the court to strike out the matter.

But, counsel to Ọba Oluponle, Taofeek Ibikunle, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the case was already at the judgment stage and the only fate it deserved was dismissal and not striking out.

He said: “The appropriate order the court can make at this stage is dismissal of the suit not striking out as prayed by the learned counsel for the plaintiffs.”

In his judgment, Justice Isiaka Adeleke held that “as in this case, the application is made at the close of evidence and the matter adjourned for judgment, the discretion would almost certainly be exercised to dismiss the suit.

“Finally, consequence upon the notice of discontinuance dated 31st day of January 2024, but filed on Monday, 11th day of March 2024, by Isaac Abiodun Olaide (plaintiffs counsel), the court, accordingly, dismissed Suit No HIK/39/2022.”