A crisis is unfolding in Ondo State, Nigeria, as Oba-elect Samuel Fawehinmi has approached the state High Court to stop the installation of Prof Thompson Akinifesi as the monarch of Bolorunduro community in Ondo East Local Government Area. Fawehinmi claims Akinifesi's appointment is an infraction of court process and an abuse of the court. The matter has been in court since before the government's recent pronouncement.
According to Fawehinmi, he was appointed as the oba-elect in 2022 by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's administration, with a letter signed by the then Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Oladuni Odu. However, the State Executive Council recently approved Akinifesi's appointment as the new monarch, prompting Fawehinmi to seek court intervention. He wants the court to rescind the government's decision and install him as the eligible oba-elect.
Fawehinmi's lead counsel, Mr Thompson Akinyemi, presented the case before Justice Bolatito Ajibade, arguing that the government's action was a deliberate attempt to abuse the court. The claimant is seeking to have all his pending applications granted and the government's decision set aside. The case has been adjourned to November 24, 2026, for further hearing.
On the other hand, counsel for Prof Akinifesi, Mr Gbenga Akinbinu, exonerated the government from any wrongdoing and urged the court to disregard Fawehinmi's claims. Akinbinu's argument suggests that the government may not be liable for the crisis unfolding in the community. The court's decision will determine the fate of the two monarchs and the community.
The crisis in Bolorunduro community is a result of the government's approval of Akinifesi's appointment, which Fawehinmi sees as a move to undermine his own appointment. The community may face further unrest as the two factions vie for legitimacy. The court's intervention is expected to bring clarity to the situation and provide a resolution to the crisis.
The Ondo State government has not commented on the crisis, but the court's decision is likely to have implications for the state's traditional institutions. The case highlights the complexities of traditional succession in Nigeria and the role of the government in such matters. The court's ruling will set a precedent for similar cases in the state.
The case will continue on November 24, 2026, with the court expected to deliver a ruling on Fawehinmi's application. The outcome will determine who will be recognized as the legitimate monarch of Bolorunduro community. The community and the state are watching closely as the drama unfolds.
Key points
- Oba-elect Samuel Fawehinmi seeks court order to stop installation of rival monarch, Prof Thompson Akinifesi.
