Chairmanship Tussle: Court directs Monarchs, Fayemi to seek alternative dispute resolution

Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti High Court has advised parties to the suit challenging the appointment of the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti Oba Adebanji Alabi by Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers to resolve all issues in the best interest of state’s peace and stability.

The Aggrieved prominent monarchs otherwise called ‘Pelupelu’ had on August 9 instituted a litigation to seek redress on Oba Alabi’s appointment by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

In a writ of summon filed, the 17 Obas urged the court to reverse Fayemi’s action on the premise that Alawe was not recognised by statute to head the council, claiming they had the exclusive rights to head the council, among the 22 members, in line with the extant tradition and the State Chieftaincy Laws.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the aggrieved monarchs called ‘Alademerindologun’ (Pelupelu), Mr. Owoseni Ajayi said discussions from stakeholders have been opened with his clients towards an amicable resolutions to the impasse.

The monarchs who were in court include; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti,Oba Rufus Adejugbe ; Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare ; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu ; Ologotun of Ogotun, Oba Samuel Oyebade; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju ; Elemure of Emure, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo; Ajero of Ijero , Oba Joseph Adebayo; Olomuo of Omuo, Oba Noah Omonigbehin and the Olujido of Ido, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

Owoseni said the aggrieved monarchs were interested in sustaining the current peace in the state, however opposed to the proposal by the state government for the claimants to withdraw the suit.

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“Alternative Peaceful Resolution can go on without the cased being withdrawn. We are ready for peaceful resolution subject to the commitment of the state government on this matter.

“Their proposal for us to discontinue this case shows they are not interested in the peaceful resolution of this issue,” he said.

On his part, counsel to the government and Attorney General of the State, Mr. Wale Fapohunda had argued for the withdrawal of suit by the aggrieved monarchs to show their commitment to peaceful resolution.

According to Fapohunda, “This move will send an unequivocal message to everyone that our fathers are indeed interested in peace, progress and security of this state.”

Counsel to Oba Alabi, Olubunmi Olugbade revealed that his client was not opposed to the resolution of the impasse, noting that,” I am aware that the claimants are reaching out to our client towards resolving this issue.”

The presiding judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde while giving her ruling on Monday agreed that parties have the right to adopt the alternative dispute resolution on the suit in the interest of Ekiti state, advised them to resolve the issue and return to the court with their decisions.

She adjourned the case till January 21, 2020 for final update from the parties on the resolution of the issue.