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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State has denied involvement in the installation of the Olofa of Ofatedo in Egbedore Local Government Area.
Justice Kudirat Akano of the State High Court sitting in Osogbo has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and other respondents from taking any further steps regarding the installation of the Olofa of Ofatedo.
The case was instituted by Chief Ahmed Musibaudeen Ilufoye on behalf of the kingmakers of Olofa of Ofatedo.
Joined as respondents in the suit are the Governor of Osun State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Egbedore Local Government, and Prince Sakariyau Olabode.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Akano ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
During the proceedings, the applicant’s counsel, Mr Tiamiyu Adegboyega, informed the court that he was shocked to discover a letter appointing the fifth defendant as the Olofa of Ofatedo, which was issued after the lawsuit had been filed and service had been formally effected on the defendants.
He noted that the suit was instituted on 12 October, whereas the notification letter for the appointment was dated 26 October, describing this as a resort to self-help and contempt of court.
Responding, state counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Mr Biodun Badiora, stated that the office of the Attorney General was unaware of the appointment.
Badiora explained that the letter purportedly originated from the office of the third defendant (the Commissioner for Local Government), adding that he was only shown the request for approval on Tuesday.
Maintaining that both the Attorney General and the Permanent Secretary had no knowledge of the alleged appointment, Badiora assured the court, “With the pending application, we will not take any further steps on the matter.”
Following the submissions, Justice Akano granted the application restraining the respondents from proceeding with any actions concerning the Olofa of Ofatedo stool until the determination of the suit.
The case has been adjourned to November 2 for the hearing of pending applications.
