Osun Traditional Ruler Reinstated: Court Nullifies Governor Adeleke’s Removal
An Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife has reinstated Adegboyega Famodun as the Owa of Igbajo, nullifying the state government’s earlier revocation of his appointment. The court overturned the White Paper and Executive Order issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke concerning the Owa of Igbajo chieftaincy title.
In January 2024, the Osun State Government released six White Papers following investigations into various chieftaincy matters. One of these nullified the selection process that led to Mr. Famodun’s emergence as the Owa of Igbajo.
He was appointed and installed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola towards the end of his tenure in 2022. Upon assuming office on 27 November 2022, Governor Adeleke revoked the appointment and initiated a review, culminating in an Executive Order that annulled Mr. Famodun’s installation and called for a fresh selection process.
Challenging the government’s decision, Mr. Famodun argued in court that his appointment followed due process and should not have been revoked. Justice A.O. Ayoola ruled in his favor, declaring that the Executive Order and White Paper lacked the legal standing to annul a validly conducted chieftaincy process.