From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Oba Francis Olushola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government, Oyo State, has declared no loser or winner in an April 14 Oyo State High Court judgement that upheld his enthronement.
The court struck out a 2017 suit (HOI/22/2017) seeking his removal, citing lack of jurisdiction and the claimants’ lack of locus standi.
The claimants argued only direct male descendants of the Akinbola family’s five sections were eligible for the Olugbon stool, alleging Oba Alao was ineligible.
However, Justice Kareem Adedokun ruled the Surulere Local Government, responsible for the selection process, was not joined in the suit, and the claimants, none of whom contested the throne, lacked standing.
Oba Alao, Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said: “A crucial litigation against my enthronement… came to an end last week with the judgement of an Oyo State High Court striking out the suit.”
He urged unity, stating, “Certainly, there is no loser or winner in this case. Orile-Igbon… is the beneficiary.”