Oyo State High Court Sacks Oyo of Fiditi Over Irregularities in Selection Process

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted an order setting aside the selection and appointment of Oba Oyeleye Sakirudeen as the Onifiditi of Fiditi. The court ruled that there were irregularities in the process that led to Oba Sakirudeen's installation as the traditional ruler of Fiditi.

The suit was filed by Samuel Ogunkunle and Bayo Oyewale against Oba Oyelere Sakirudeen, Ademola Akande, Depo Oguntoyin, Kunle Oniyitan, the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and Chief Adebola. The plaintiffs argued that the selection procedure violated established customs and traditions.

In addition to voiding Oba Sakirudeen's appointment, the court granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from taking any further actions towards filling the vacant stool of the Onifiditi of Fiditi, pending the resolution of the suit. This effectively puts the selection process for a new Oyo of Fiditi on hold until the case is resolved.

Why this matters: The ruling highlights the importance of following proper procedures and respecting traditional customs in the selection of traditional rulers in Nigeria. It also underscores the role of the judiciary in settling chieftaincy disputes and ensuring fairness in such matters.

The court awarded a cost of ₦200,000 in favor of the applicants against Oba Sakirudeen, Ademola Akande, Depo Oguntoyin, and Chief Adebola. The suit has been adjourned until May 22, 2024 for further proceedings. As of now, the stool of the Onifiditi of Fiditi remains vacant, with the selection process suspended by the court order until the case is concluded.

Key Takeaways

• Oyo court sets aside selection of Onifiditi of Fiditi, citing irregularities.
• Plaintiffs argued selection procedure violated customs; court granted injunction.
• Court ruling highlights importance of following proper procedures in chieftaincy matters.
• Court awarded ₦200,000 cost against defendants; case adjourned to May 2024.
• Onifiditi stool remains vacant, selection process suspended until case conclusion.