By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State High Court in Ilaro has resolved a three-year leadership crisis in Igbogila, Yewa North Local Government Area, by restoring the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to its original composition and nullifying the suspension of five traditional chiefs.
Justice I.B. Awofeso, in a judgment delivered on June 2, 2026, adopted a settlement agreement reached between members of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs and some of the defendants in Suit No. HCY/03/2023. The decision is expected to restore peace and stability to the town’s traditional institution.
The suit was instituted by ten chiefs led by the Basorun of Igbogila, Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade, challenging the alleged suspension of some chiefs and what they described as interference in the administration of the traditional institution.
The claimants argued that, under Yoruba, Yewa and Igbogila customs and traditions, princes of a ruling house have no authority to interfere with the statutory roles of the Olu of Igbogila and the Council of Chiefs. They also sought the nullification of chieftaincy titles allegedly conferred without the council’s approval.
Court records showed that the matter was referred to the Multi-Door Courthouse in Abeokuta for mediation in June 2024. While reconciliation meetings followed, only the claimants and the 11th and 12th defendants reached an agreement, as the other defendants reportedly withdrew from the mediation process.
As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to restore the Igbogila Council of Chiefs to its status as of November 12, 2022, and declared the purported suspension and removal of the five chiefs invalid because the actions were not carried out by the late monarch and therefore lacked legitimacy.
The court also ordered the immediate resumption of meetings and sittings of the Council of Chiefs in a peaceful and open atmosphere. It further recognised Chief Akinlolu A. Ajibade as the Acting Head of the Igbogila Council of Chiefs pending the emergence and installation of a substantive Olu of Igbogila.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the claimants, Adegbenro Ogungbade, and the Elemo of Igbogila, Chief Semiu Banmeke, described the ruling as a victory for justice, due process and the preservation of the community’s traditional heritage. They expressed optimism that the judgment would foster reconciliation and pave the way for the peaceful selection and installation of a new Olu of Igbogila.
