Court stops burial arrangements of Osun community leader,

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife, has stopped the planned burial arrangements of Chief Moses Ayanbeku, Asiwaju of Ifetedo.

The Court, presided over by Justice A.O. Adeniji, also barred Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, from releasing the corpse of the late chief to his family or any of their representatives.

The burial, earlier scheduled for 22nd to 26th April, 2026, was put on hold following an application by Mrs. Gifty Ayangunilayo Fagunwa (née Ayanbeku).

In granting all five prayers sought by the claimant, the court restrained the church and related parties from conducting any burial services, burial rites or religious ceremonies for the late Chief Moses Ayanbeku. This includes the Church of Ife Diocese (Anglican Communion) and its Bishop, RT Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade.

The court also restrained Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) from releasing the corpse to the family for burial.

According to the enrolled order with suit number HIF/17/2026, there were 17 respondents, including 14 children and grandchildren led by Hon. Ayandiran Ayanbeku, as well as the registered trustees of the Ife Diocese, the presiding bishop, and OAU’s Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (Department of Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Medicine).

Justice Adeniji, in the interim orders, granted injunctions stopping the respondents from taking further steps towards preparing or conducting the burial pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice; the church authorities and officiating ministers from conducting any funeral service or burial rites related to the burial date of 22nd–26th April, 2026, or any other date; and OAU and its officials from releasing the remains to the family or any other person for burial during the pendency of the motion.

The court fixed the hearing of the motion on notice for 20th April, 2026.