Court throws out deposed Oba’s petition

Justice G. C. Okeke, in her ruling, said the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, having carefully considered the submissions of counsels in the case. She said: “having weighed all the submissions of both parties, I also read the cases cited by counsels and I am convinced beyond doubt that the Federal High Court has […]

Justice G. C. Okeke, in her ruling, said the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, having carefully considered the submissions of counsels in the case.

She said: “having weighed all the submissions of both parties, I also read the cases cited by counsels and I am convinced beyond doubt that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the applicant’s reliefs and I so hold.”

The deposed monarch had earlier filed a suit in a federal high court to prevent his ejection from the palace.

The former monarch in the suit urged the court to declare him as the lawful owner of his residence otherwise known as the “Akodi Olugbo” built by him, stressing that he should be allowed to occupy the property with members of his family.

Joined as defendants in the suit by the deposed monarch were: the Ondo State government, the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State , the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army Barracks, Okitipupa, the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army Barracks, Akure.

Counsel to the state government, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, however argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Jegede who is also the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the application was grossly incompetent as it was not in conformity with extant rules.

According to him, since the subject matter of the application was a land matter related to chieftaincy, the federal high court lacked jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the Ojadele ruling house, the only ruling house of the Olugbo of Ugbo, over the weekend took over the palace, which is called the “Akodi Olugbo”.

In a press statement by the publicity secretary of the ruling house, Prince Oloyede Megbodofo, the house said the move became necessary as part of the coronation events of the new Olugbo of Ugbo.