DEJI OF AKURE VS. IRALEPO OF ISINKAN: SUPREME COURT TAKES OVER CHIEFTAINCY DISPUTE
... "We Are at the Supreme Court Challenging the Jurisdiction of This Honourable Court" – Iralepo’s Counsel
... "Government Has Exclusive Powers to Recognize Iralepo as a Chieftaincy" – Attorney General
... As Supreme Court Has Taken Over, We No Longer Have Power to Decide the Stay of Execution" – Court of Appeal
The legal battle over the Iralepo of Isinkan chieftaincy has escalated to the Supreme Court, effectively halting further proceedings at the Court of Appeal.
The Application for Stay of Execution, jointly filed by the Iralepo of Isinkan and the Ondo State Government, could not be heard as the Court of Appeal confirmed that the appeal has been officially entered at the Supreme Court under case number SC/CV/268/2025.
SUPREME COURT TAKES JURISDICTION OVER CASE
During the proceedings, Chief Sola Ebiseni, counsel to the Iralepo of Isinkan, informed the Court of Appeal that his clients had previously appealed and transmitted records to the Supreme Court. Kolapo Kolade (SAN), counsel to the Deji of Akure, also acknowledged this development, with FS Akinnibosun, representing the Ondo State Attorney General, concurring.
Given the circumstances, the Court of Appeal ruled that it no longer had jurisdiction over the matter, as the Supreme Court had assumed authority. Consequently, all pending applications were withdrawn and dismissed.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISPUTE: ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT VS. DEJI OF AKURE
The chieftaincy dispute dates back to 2005, when the Ondo State Government formally recognized the Iralepo of Isinkan as a traditional ruler (Oba). However, the Deji of Akure challenged this recognition, insisting that such an appointment required his consent. After losing at the High Court, the Deji appealed to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in his favor.
SEPARATE APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT
Following the Court of Appeal’s decision, both the Ondo State Government and the Iralepo of Isinkan separately appealed to the Supreme Court: The Ondo State Government argued that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to subject the Executive Council’s power to upgrade the Iralepo to the approval of the Deji or any other traditional ruler.
The Iralepo of Isinkan contended that the judgment violated customary law and the Chiefs Law of Ondo State, emphasizing that no Iralepo in history had ever been appointed by the Deji of Akure.
Iralepo’s counsel further clarified that the application for stay and injunction pending appeal was directed at the state government, not the Deji, as all reliefs in the judgment were declaratory and unenforceable against the Deji.
DEJI OF AKURE APPOINTS NEW IRALEPO AMIDST DISPUTE
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi, announced the appointment of Gbenga Henry Adeyeye as the new Chief Iralepo of Isinkan.
Reacting to this, High Chief Kayode Oluyi, the Olisa of Isinkan Kingdom, issued a statement on behalf of the Isinkan community, reaffirming that Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) remains the rightful Iralepo, residing in the ancient Isinkan Palace.
High Chief Oluyi questioned the legitimacy of Gbenga Henry Adeyeye’s appointment, noting that he had previously contested the Isinkan throne but was rejected by the community for being ineligible. He further emphasized that the Deji of Akure has never, in history, appointed an Iralepo of Isinkan.
ONDO STATE GOVERNOR PROMISES CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE
In response to the escalating chieftaincy tussle, Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assured that the state government would respect the right of appeal for all parties, adhering strictly to the limits allowed by the Nigerian Constitution.