By Kayode Olabanji

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has affirmed the appointment of Oba Afolabi Oladimeji Odidiomo as the Olu of Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government area of the state.

Delivering the unanimous judgment in Appeal No. CA/AK/30/15, His Lordship, Justice H.R. Shagari, upheld the earlier decision of the Ondo State High Court, which had dismissed Suit No. AK/283/2012. The suit was instituted by representatives of the Araromi and Okunnuwa Ruling Houses, who jointly challenged the appointment of Oba Odidiomo by the Igbokoda Kingmakers and its subsequent approval by the Ondo State Government.

Oba Odidiomo, a legal practitioner and a native of the Larada Ruling House, was unanimously selected by the kingmakers and formally appointed in 2012.

Dissatisfied with the process, certain members of the other ruling houses contended that the appointment violated established customary chieftaincy laws.

In its ruling, the Court held that the appointment was consistent with the applicable customary laws governing the Olu of Igbokoda chieftaincy.

Justice Shagari, while delivering the lead judgment, emphasised that the appeal was devoid of merit and accordingly dismissed it.

Reacting to the judgment on behalf of the respondents’ legal team, Chief Sola Ebiseni commended the decision, describing it as a victory for peace and communal harmony. He remarked, “I am not only legal counsel in this matter; I am also a leader in the Ilaje community. I look forward to joining His Royal Majesty in fostering unity and development among our people.”