The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Dapo Abiodun and other government officials, challenging his suspension from office. Akinyemi was suspended in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, over alleged involvement in partisan politics. The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.
According to the suspension letter, the State Executive Council acted on several complaints concerning Akinyemi's conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities. The government noted that partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute, warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations.
Akinyemi has approached the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Judicial Division, with suit number FHC/AB/FHR/148/26, alleging that he was suspended without prior notice or an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. In the application, Akinyemi is seeking an order restraining the respondents from compelling him to vacate the Eselu Palace or stopping him from performing his traditional functions.
The monarch is also asking the court to restrain the respondents from preventing him from presenting himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom or wearing his crown, ileke, beaded staff, irukere, and other traditional royal insignia. He sought an order preventing the police and other government officials from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, or interfering with him in the exercise of his rights and functions as the traditional ruler.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Akinyemi stated that he received a suspension letter dated October 20, 2026, from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, directing him to immediately vacate the palace, stop presenting himself as the Eselu, and discontinue the use of royal paraphernalia. The court has fixed November 11, 2026, for ruling on the monarch's application.
Justice A.A. Okeke fixed the date after listening to arguments from Akinyemi's counsel, Dele Fadesere, who urged the court to protect the traditional ruler's fundamental rights pending the determination of the substantive suit. Fadesere told the court that the application was necessary to safeguard the monarch's rights and prevent the enforcement of the suspension from undermining the legal proceedings.
The suspension of Akinyemi has significant implications for the traditional institution in Ogun State, with many stakeholders watching the court's decision closely. The court's ruling on November 11, 2026, will determine whether Akinyemi will continue to hold his position as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom or face a prolonged suspension.
Key points
- Ogun State monarch challenges suspension in court
- Akinyemi alleges suspension without prior notice or opportunity to defend himself
- Court to rule on monarch's application on November 11, 2026
