The Oyo State High Court, situated in Awe, Oyo State, has dismissed a case brought forth by the Oyo kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) against the state governor, Seyi Makinde, the state Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters concerning the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool due to an administrative defect.

The vacant stool emerged following the passing of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled for 52 years and died at the age of 82. The claimants in the case (Suit No. HOY/14/2023) include Chief Yusuf Layinka (Bashorun of Oyo), Chief Wakeel Oyedepo (Lagunna of Oyo), Chief Amusa Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (Areago Bashorun), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Alapo of Oyo). They sought a court injunction to prevent Makinde and his representatives from interfering with their chosen candidate for the vacant stool.

The claimants argued that due diligence was observed in the selection and appointment process, conducted by the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy kingmakers. However, during the ruling on the defendants' notice of preliminary objection, Justice Ladiran Akintola stated that there was no evidence of serving notice to inform the governor about the outcome of the selection process conducted by the kingmakers.

The absence of this notification to the governor was deemed to affect the substantive case, leading to its dismissal. Justice Akintola upheld the defendants' preliminary objection, resolving all issues raised in favor of the defendants and against the claimants.

In response to the judgment, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), the lead counsel for the claimants, stated in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Friday that they have filed a notice of appeal and a motion for injunction pending an appeal at the Court of Appeal and Oyo High Court, respectively. Sobaloju clarified that the ruling on Tuesday pertained to the preliminary objection raised by the defendants, challenging the compliance of the claimants with the conditions preceding such an action.

He explained the contention surrounding the notification process and emphasized that the failure to serve notice of the kingmakers' decision to the governor led to the dismissal of their case. Despite this setback, Sobaloju highlighted their intention to pursue legal avenues for appeal, asserting that the substantive merit of the case is yet to be considered.

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