ORILE ILAWO:Court Nullifies Installation of MacGregor as Olu of Orile Ilawo, Bars Him from Parading Himself As Olu of Orile Ilawo
The High Court in Ogun state, has in a landmark ruling, nullified the installation of Olusegun McGregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo under Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, cautioning him to stop parading himself as the monarch of the town in public functions henceforth.
Olufemi Orunsola
Reports reaching the news desk of OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News have it that the Ogun State High Court has declared the installation of Alexander MacGregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo illegal, ordering him to cease all representations of himself as the monarch pending the resolution of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of his nomination.
OTN News reports that the ruling was delivered by Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, on Tuesday in response to a suit filed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo following the family's contention that MacGregor's installation violated traditional practices and legal protocols.
Justice Majekodunmi condemned the actions of the Ogun State government for proceeding with MacGregor's installation despite the pending legal proceedings, characterizing it as an act of impunity that undermines the authority of the court.
She further emphasized the legal obligation of all parties involved to refrain from actions that could compromise the judicial process once a case is filed. She issued a mandatory injunction, restraining MacGregor from presenting himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo and restoring the royal stool to its status prior to MacGregor’s purported installation.
The court also ordered the withdrawal of all official instruments, staff of office, and symbols of authority that had been conferred upon MacGregor by the Ogun State government.
The lawsuit which was initiated by the Ogunsanya-Ariku family, sought justice over what they described as the desecration of the traditional Institution via the subtle manipulation of the council of chiefs in Ilawo claiming that recognized warrant chiefs were replaced by unfamiliar names during the nomination process following the death of the former king on December 24, 2021. They therefore sought an injunction to halt the ongoing installation process and contest MacGregor’s claims to the throne.
After the ruling, the Secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasty, Dr.David Ogunsanya, expressed gratitude towards the judiciary for upholding justice. He highlighted the family’s commitment to peaceful resolution through legal means, avoiding potential communal conflicts.
In his words, “We are pleased to inform the media that the installation of Mr. Olusegun MacGregor has been nullified by a competent court of law,” Ogunsanya stated. “We hope that this ruling will be reported widely, as it reflects our dedication to justice and the integrity of our traditions.”
He further warned that any actions taken contrary to the court's ruling would be considered contempt of court, with appropriate measures to be taken against those who continue to support MacGregor’s claims.
According to him, “Members of the public who still recognize Mr. Olusegun MacGregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo do so at their own risk."
Meanwhile, OTN News observes that the ruling is a major landmark in the protracted dispute over the Olu of Orile Ilawo Kingship, a case which further draws attention to the for adherence to traditional processes and the rule of law in resolving conflicts surrounding royal succession in the gateway state and Yoruba land at large.
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