Court Halts Ondo Government’s Move to Install New Olu of Jirinwo
Date: 21st October, 2025.
An Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim injunction restraining Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and six others from proceeding with any action related to the selection or installation of a new Olu (Oba) of Jirinwo in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The order was made by Justice L.B. Ologun in response to a suit filed by the current monarch, Oba Olawole Inspiration Ajimosun, who challenged what he described as unlawful attempts by the state government to replace him. The suit, marked HOK/36/CIV/2025, was instituted through his legal representatives, Sola Ebiseni and Associates.
According to the court documents, Oba Ajimosun stated he was validly appointed as the Oloja of Jirinwo on March 2, 2021, by the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, the recognized Prescribed Authority for the chieftaincy. He noted that the Executive Council of Ondo State elevated the Jirinwo stool to Obaship status on August 24, 2022, which, by customary law and the Chiefs Law of Ondo State, confirmed his promotion to an Oba.
The monarch further argued that this elevation aligned with government policy applied to other traditional rulers, particularly those endorsed through previous commissions of inquiry, including the Justice C.E.T. Ajama Commission.
Oba Ajimosun raised concerns over recent moves by the Ilaje Local Government chairman, allegedly under state directives, to convene a selection process for a new Olu. He described the development as a violation of his legally recognized status and a breach of both state law and Nigeria’s Constitution. He also emphasized that the heads of the five royal families in the community had opposed the planned meeting, calling it a sacrilegious act under their customs.
In granting the interim injunction, Justice Ologun stated:
“I have examined the application and listened carefully to the submission of counsel. I am of the view that the application is deserving of a grant, particularly the 2nd relief sought.”
The court therefore ordered all defendants — including the state government and local authorities — to refrain from taking any action related to the selection or appointment of a new Olu or Oba in Jirinwo, pending the hearing of a motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter was adjourned to November 4, 2025, for further hearing.
