Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State High Court has nullified the installation of Alexander Macgregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, citing the process as illegal. Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, in her ruling on Tuesday, directed Macgregor to cease parading himself as the monarch pending the resolution of a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of his nomination.
The ruling came in response to a suit filed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo. The family sought to invalidate Macgregor’s claim to the throne and halt the installation process, citing procedural irregularities in the selection process.
Justice Majekodunmi criticized the Ogun State government for proceeding with Macgregor’s installation despite ongoing court cases, labeling it an act of impunity and a disregard for the judiciary. She stressed that parties involved in legal disputes must refrain from actions that could compromise the court’s authority.
The court issued a mandatory injunction restraining Macgregor from functioning as the Olu of Ilawo. It also ordered the government to withdraw all symbols of authority, including the staff of office, that had been conferred on him. Additionally, the judge ruled that the throne should be restored to its status quo as of the time the case was brought before the court.
The dispute originated after the death of the previous king on December 24, 2021. The Ogunsanya-Ariku family alleged that traditional procedures were violated when warrant chiefs approved by the Ilawo Council of Chiefs were replaced with unfamiliar names to manipulate the nomination process.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Dr. David Ogunsanya, Secretary of the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family, lauded the judiciary for upholding justice. He emphasized the family’s commitment to resolving the matter peacefully, avoiding actions that could provoke communal conflict.
“We are pleased to inform the public that the court has nullified and discarded the installation of Mr. Olusegun Macgregor. This is a victory for justice and due process,” Dr. Ogunsanya stated. He urged the media to report the developments accurately, highlighting the judiciary’s role as a beacon of justice in society.
