AKURE, Nigeria – A recent ruling from an Ondo State High Court on Friday, April 28, 2023, has thrown a wrench into Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s plans to install Chief Alexander Akinnadeju as the Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.
The court, presided over by Justice Idowu Kolawole, has issued an injunction against both the Governor and Chief Akinnadeju, barring any coronation activities until further hearings.
Tensions have been high in Alade Idanre, where local residents have been protesting against what they see as an unlawful imposition of an outsider to fill the royal vacancy. The throne has been empty since the death of Oba Olusegun Akinbola in 2020, and the local community is adamant that it will not accept a ‘stranger’ on the seat of Aladeokun.
“We will not tolerate any form of imposition. The heritage of our community is at stake,” a protester voiced emphatically.
Princes of the kingdom and members of the Akinboro ruling house have taken their grievances to court, asking for an order to restrain the Ondo State Government and kingmakers from nominating or appointing any member of the Akinnadeju family as Aladeokun.
They are also seeking to invalidate any attempts to appoint a member of the Akinnadeju family who does not belong to either the Akinbola or Akinboro families.
The counsel representing the applicants, Barr. Yetunde Ademiguoke, stressed that the state’s Chieftaincy Laws only recognize the Akinboro and the Akinbola as the two ruling houses in Alade Idanre.
“The law is clear. Only members of the Akinboro and Akinbola families are eligible for the throne. Any attempt to install Chief Akinnadeju is a gross violation of our Chieftaincy Laws,” Ademiguoke stated.
The court has adjourned the hearing to May 8th, 2023, with notices to be served to the counsel of the third to sixth defendants.
This decision is likely to prolong the leadership vacuum in Alade Idanre, raising questions about the potential for escalated tensions in the community.
However, many residents seem resolute in their determination to uphold the traditions of their community, even in the face of protracted uncertainty.
