By Our Correspondent
National News – Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday, May 25, 2026, restrained the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from taking steps to remove the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Akadiri, pending determination of an ongoing appeal.
The order followed a motion seeking preservation of the chieftaincy status quo amid a legal dispute.
The dispute centres on the Akirun of Ikirun stool in Osun State, involving Governor Ademola Adeleke, Oba Olalekan Akadiri, the Gboleru Ruling House, and kingmakers.
Authorities had earlier declared the stool vacant through White Papers on chieftaincy reforms.
The appeal court case seeks to determine whether nomination processes can resume while litigation continues.
The court in Akure warned against actions that may breach judicial authority or trigger unrest.
Counsel for the appellants, respondents, and the Osun State Attorney-General’s office agreed that no further steps should be taken pending hearing of the appeal.
Senior advocates told the court that letters had been issued to restart nomination despite the White Paper directive.
The judge noted conflicting actions that risk undermining the ongoing judicial process and public peace.
Residents of Ikirun and stakeholders were urged to comply with the ruling to prevent escalation of tensions.
The court emphasised the need to maintain the status quo until the appeal is fully determined.
It warned that any breach could affect peace and stability in the community.
Legal observers say the ruling reinforces judicial control over chieftaincy disputes and reinforces respect for pending appeals in Nigeria’s appellate courts.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure maintained that all parties must respect judicial processes while the substantive appeal continues.
The case stems from disputes over traditional leadership succession in Ikirun, which has drawn political and community interest across Osun State.
By maintaining the injunction, the court aims to prevent parallel administrative actions that could destabilise governance at the local level.
Further hearing dates are expected to be communicated after procedural issues, including substitution applications, are resolved.
Stakeholders await final resolution of the chieftaincy dispute.
