The Ogun State High Court sitting in Ilaro has brought an end to a three-year leadership crisis that rocked the Igbogila traditional institution in Yewa North Local Government Area. The court restored the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to its pre-dispute status and nullified the controversial suspension of five traditional title holders.
Landmark Judgment Delivered
Delivering the landmark judgment on June 2, 2026, Justice I.B. Awofeso adopted a settlement agreement reached between members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs and the 11th and 12th defendants in Suit No. HCY/03/2023. This effectively paved the way for reconciliation and stability within the community's traditional governance structure.
The suit was instituted by ten chiefs led by the Basorun of Igbogila, Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade, on behalf of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs. They challenged actions allegedly taken against some members of the council, including their purported suspension and interference in the administration of the traditional institution.
Claimants' Prayers
The claimants, including several principal chiefs of the ancient town, sought declarations affirming that under Yoruba, Yewa and Igbogila native law, customs and traditions, princes of a ruling house have no customary authority to interfere in or usurp the powers vested in the Olu of Igbogila and the Council of Chiefs. They also prayed the court to invalidate the purported suspension of five traditional chiefs and restrain certain individuals from meddling in the affairs of the traditional institution.
Mediation and Settlement
Court records show that on June 26, 2024, Justice O.S. Oloyede advised the parties to explore an amicable resolution and referred the matter to the Multi-Door Courthouse in Abeokuta for mediation. Following the referral, the parties engaged in reconciliation meetings, but only the claimants and the 11th and 12th defendants reached a compromise, while the 2nd to 10th defendants withdrew from the mediation process.
As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to return the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to the status quo ante, restoring the composition that existed as of November 12, 2022. The purported suspension and removal of the five chiefs were declared invalid, as the action was not carried out by the late monarch and therefore lacked legitimacy.
Court Endorses Terms
During proceedings, counsel to the claimants, A.I. Ogunbade, urged the court to adopt the terms of settlement as its judgment, a request supported by counsel representing the 11th and 12th defendants. Justice Awofeso subsequently entered judgment in line with the agreed terms, holding that the interests of the traditional institution were adequately represented despite the demise of the monarch.
The court endorsed the immediate resumption of meetings and sittings of the Council of Chiefs in an open and public setting, recognizing Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade as the Acting Head of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Olu of Igbogila.
Reactions to the Judgment
Counsel to the claimants, Adegbenro Ogungbade, described the judgment as a landmark victory for justice, due process and the preservation of the customs and traditions of Igbogila. He said the judgment reinforces the authority and legitimacy of the Council of Chiefs and amplifies the principle that the administration of traditional institutions must be conducted in accordance with established native law, custom and due process.
Ogungbade declared that the 1st to 10th claimants, as well as the 11th and 12th defendants, are at liberty to hold their council meetings and take over governance from usurpers. He noted that the judgment has laid a solid foundation for reconciliation, unity and sustainable peace within the community.
Also speaking on behalf of the claimants, the Elemo of Igbogila, Chief Semiu K. Banmeke, described the ruling as a victory for justice, peace and the preservation of the community's traditional heritage. He expressed confidence that the community would emerge stronger and more united following the court-backed reconciliation.
Chief Banmeke assured residents that the process for the selection and installation of a new Olu of Igbogila would commence soon, stressing that the judgment has effectively restored the traditional council and affirmed the leadership structure agreed upon by the parties.
