Ekiti High Court suspends installation of male regent in Aisegba

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the suspension of the proposed installation of a male regent and third-in-rank chief in Aisegba Ekiti, following a suit challenging the process over alleged violations of custom and tradition.

The order was granted after members of the Ajia Oloketuyi Ruling House approached the court with an application for an interlocutory injunction to halt the installation pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The claimants, led by Prince Adekunle Daramola and six others, said they were acting on behalf of the Ajia Oloketuyi Ruling House, which they described as the rightful family entitled to produce a regent in line with Aisegba Ekiti tradition.

They maintained that the community’s custom recognises the appointment of a female regent whenever the stool becomes vacant, a practice they alleged was being disregarded in the ongoing process.

Those sued include key kingmakers in Aisegba Ekiti, officials of Ayekire Local Government, the Ekiti State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, the Deputy Governor and the Attorney-General of the state.

The dispute arose from moves to install High Chief Bodunde Egunjobi as regent, which the claimants argued was initiated without adherence to established customary procedures.

In granting the interim relief, the court restrained the defendants from taking further steps towards installing the proposed regent and directed all parties to maintain the status quo.

The court explained that the order was necessary to preserve peace in the community and prevent actions that could complicate the resolution of the matter, adding that the case had been adjourned for further hearing as consideration of the substantive issues continues.