The hearing regarding the dethronement of the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, by Governor Ademola Adeleke was postponed at the State High Court in Osun State due to the absence of the defendants’ counsel.
Oba Famodun was appointed during the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, but his removal was enacted by Adeleke, who appointed Oba Ademola Makinde using warrant chiefs. This decision led traditional chiefs and kingmakers from Igbajo to challenge the appointment, filing a lawsuit against Adeleke and others.
During the court session on Monday, presiding judge Justice Micheal Awe expressed frustration at the absence of the five defendants in the case, which includes Oba Ademola Makinde, the Osun State government, Boluwaduro Local Government, and the warrant chiefs. Justice Awe remarked that their consistent non-attendance was disrespectful to the court and indicated an attempt to delay proceedings, a tactic that has been evident since the case commenced in 2023.
In response, plaintiff counsel Dr. Saka Layoonu criticized the defense for their lack of presence, describing it as a deliberate effort to stall the legal process. Justice Awe issued a warning that if the defendants do not appear for the next hearing scheduled on November 1, 2024, the case will proceed in their absence.