Royal Tension: Ondo Government Blocked From Installing Oba In Alagbon By Court Order

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim injunction restraining the state government from appointing or recognizing any individual as the Oba of Alagbon community in the Ugbo area of Ilaje Local Government.

Justice T.M. Adedipe granted the order in response to a motion filed by the Alagbon community in Suit No. HOK/76/2022. The motion, presented by D.J. Ayenowo of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, challenged what the community described as an unlawful imposition of a traditional ruler by the state government.

The court granted three major reliefs:

1. An order stopping the defendants and their agents from proceeding with any action toward installing an Oba in Alagbon until the main suit is decided.

2. An order restraining the government from doing anything that may compromise or undermine the court’s impartial judgment on the matter.

3. An order nullifying any previous steps taken—such as the issuance of a staff of office or official documents—suggesting that anyone has been appointed as Oba of Alagbon, pending the resolution of the case.

The controversy began when the state government approved the appointment of a monarch bearing the title “Gbogunron of Alagbon,” based on a White Paper issued by the Justice Ajama Chieftaincy Commission of Inquiry.

However, local leaders, including High Chief Isiah Adewole Demehin (Asogbon of Ugbo Kingdom) and Mallon Ogede (Baale of Alagbon), vehemently opposed the move. They argued that the Gbogunron family is not native to Alagbon and has no legitimate claim to any chieftaincy titles in the community.

The plaintiffs also alleged that a current commissioner from the Gbogunron family leveraged his position to influence the state’s decision.

Despite the legal challenge, the Ondo State Executive Council went ahead on July 30, 2025, to confirm Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the first Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon, alongside Prince Isiaka Oseni as the new Alale of Akungba.

In response, the Alagbon community filed for an injunction, prompting Thursday’s court order that halts all related actions and demands a reversal of any steps already taken.

A senior official at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs confirmed to Vanguard that the order had been received and assured that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration would abide by the ruling, as it respects the rule of law.

The injunction has been officially served to all relevant parties, including the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary to the State Government, the Olugbo of Ugbo, and legal representatives of the Gbogunron family.

The case has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further proceedings following the court’s annual vacation.