Owa of Igbajo: Osun court adjourns hearing to Nov 1
An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has adjourned to November 1, 2024, the matter involving Igbajo kingmakers and the Osun State Government.
The Court presided over by Justice Micheal Awe made this known at the resumption of hearing on Monday.
Justice Awe also expressed concerns over the absence of the five defence counsels, including those representing Oba Ademola Makinde, the Osun State government, Boluwaduro local government and the warrant chiefs.
The kingmakers are challenging the Osun State government’s nullification of Oba Adegboyega Famodun III’s selection as the 20th Owa of Igbajo land.
Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun was installed and presented with a staff of office as the Owa of Igbajo land in the twilight of the Adegboyega Oyetola administration in November, 2022.
On assumption of office, Governor Ademola Adeleke through an Executive Order suspended the appointments of Oba Famodun, the Owa of Igbajo, Aree of Iree, and Akinrun of Ikirun.
The selection of Oba Famodun was conducted by four of the five living kingmakers from the town, and he was duly presented with the staff of office by the then-sitting Governor of the state in November 2022
Early in the year, the Osun State Government through a White Paper nullified the appointment of Oba Famodun as Owa of Igbajo and in his place appointed Oba Ademola Makinde.
Meanwhile, Dr. Saka Layoonu, counsel to the plaintiffs, criticised the defence’s absence as a disregard for the court and an attempt to delay proceedings as this has been their style since the case started in 2023.
The judge also warned that if the defendants failed to appear on November 1, 2024, the hearing will proceed without them.
Addressing the court, the counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr Saka Layoonu, said it was disheartening that none of the five lawyers appeared in court in utter disregard to the court and a subtle bid to buy time through unnecessary adjournments.
He said he was supposed to be in Abuja to attend the confirmation of the newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday, but had to force himself to be physically present in Osogbo because of the importance he attached to the case.
