Samuel Fawehinmi: Ondo Obaship Litigation Ignored, New Oba Appointed

• The Ondo State Executive Council recently approved Prof Thompson Akinifesi as the Ekingbade of Bolorunduro Kingdom.
• Samuel Fawehinmi, who claims to be the Oba-elect from a prior appointment, condemned this new selection, citing ongoing litigation.
• The Bolorunduro obaship is currently the subject of Suit No. HOD/53/2023 in the Ondo State High Court, where Prof Akinifesi is a defendant and counter-claimant.
• Fawehinmi alleges that the state government's action constitutes contempt of court, as the matter is *sub judice* and awaiting a judgment scheduled for October 2026.
• The dispute has reportedly caused division and tension within the Bolorunduro community, prompting calls for calm and adherence to traditional processes.

The state government's decision to proceed with an appointment while the matter remains actively before the court has drawn strong accusations of contempt and a disregard for the judicial process.

A recent decision by the Ondo State Executive Council to approve the appointment of Prof Thompson Akinifesi as the Ekingbade of Bolorunduro has sparked significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Samuel Fawehinmi, who claims to be the legitimate Oba-elect for the same Bolorunduro Kingdom in Ondo East Local Government Area. The appointment, announced by Alhaji Amidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was presented as ushering in a new era for the community, which serves as the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.

However, Fawehinmi has vehemently rejected this development, describing it as a direct "infraction of the rule of law" and an "affront to the judiciary." He emphasized that the matter concerning the obaship of Bolorunduro remains actively under litigation, urging the public to disregard the state government's announcement. Fawehinmi's own claim to the throne stems from an appointment letter issued to him on November 22, 2022, during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, designating him as the Adegbalu of Bolorunduro, though his installation was subsequently stalled by a court case.

The core of the dispute lies in an existing legal challenge before the Ondo State High Court, specifically Suit No. HOD/53/2023. This case pits Samuel Oladipupo Fawehinmi and others against the Executive Governor of Ondo State and other parties. Significantly, Prof Thompson Akinifesi, whose recent appointment is now contested, is listed as the 8th defendant in this very suit and has filed a counter-claim, seeking a judicial declaration that he is the rightful Oba of Bolorunduro.

Fawehinmi highlighted that the Ondo State Government is fully aware of this ongoing litigation, with legal representatives actively participating in the proceedings. Despite this awareness, and with the case adjourned until October 6, 2026, the government proceeded with Prof Akinifesi's appointment. Fawehinmi asserts that the state government's delay in properly installing him as the traditional ruler following his initial appointment was the catalyst for the current lawsuit.

Samuel Fawehinmi has accused the Ondo State Government of treating the court with "the highest disdain and contempt" by appointing Prof Akinifesi while the obaship matter is still pending. He firmly stated that the situation is *sub judice*, meaning the law dictates that all parties should maintain the status quo until a judgment is delivered. According to Fawehinmi, the government's action is not only "illegal" but also "disrespectful to our tradition."

He further maintained that his own emergence as Oba-elect followed due consultation with kingmakers and was in accordance with established customs and chieftaincy declarations. Fawehinmi appealed directly to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and review the matter, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding the rule of law. He expressed his confidence in the judiciary, referring to it as "the last hope of the common man."

The controversial appointment and the ongoing legal battle have reportedly created significant unrest within the Bolorunduro community. Fawehinmi stated that this "imposition has divided the community and brought tension to the otherwise peaceful town." He urged all residents of Bolorunduro to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding despite the contentious situation.

Fawehinmi concluded his remarks by asserting that Bolorunduro deserves a king chosen through traditional processes rather than political maneuvering. His appeal underscores the deep-seated belief that chieftaincy matters should be resolved in accordance with established customs and judicial pronouncements, rather than through executive action that appears to bypass ongoing legal proceedings.

This case highlights the legal risks and potential for contempt of court when government bodies proceed with appointments or actions despite ongoing litigation, particularly in chieftaincy matters. Lawyers should advise clients on challenging such actions and the importance of upholding the *sub judice* rule, as such government conduct can be grounds for further legal action or complicate existing cases.

Source: Original reporting via Peter Dada