Segun Atanda/
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Oyo town has again declined a request by a faction of Oyomesi (kingmakers) for an order for parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of their suit against Governor Seyi Makinde and two others.
Justice Ladiran Akintola declined the request by counsel to the claimants today at the commencement of hearing in a fresh suit filed the Oyomesi faction against the defendants, including Oyo State Attorney General and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The factional kingmakers who instituted the suit are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Amusa Yusuf; Areago Bashorun, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and the Alapo of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.
During the hearing of the fresh suit, marked HOY/41/2023, counsel to the Oyomesi faction, Barr. Kazeem Sobaloju, again sought an order for parties to maintain the status quo, inspite of the notice of the preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.
But Justice Akintola declined the request and instead adjourned hearing in the suit till December 14
Sobaloju had sought the same declaration from the court at the hearing of an earlier suit by the claimants, marked HOY/38/2023, on October 31, but Justice Akintola had similarly declined the request.
The judge said the defendants should be given the opportunity to be joined in the suit with the filing of a counter-affidavit, adding that it was after this that he would rule on the status quo.
He had subsequently adjourned hearing till November 2.
But at the resumed hearing on November 2, counsel to the claimants announced the withdrawal of the suit and the filing of a fresh one. The judge therefore struck out the suit and fixed today (November 9, 2023) for the commencement of hearing in the fresh suit
Addressing the court today, Sobaloju reminded the judge that he had two pending applications filed on November 1, 2023 on the matter.
He said that the notice of preliminary objection and counter affidavit to the interim order of injunction were served on him “barely 45 minutes ago.”
He equally submitted that he has filed a counter affidavit to the defendants notice of preliminary objection.
Counsel to the defendants and Director, Civil Litigation and Advisory Council, Ministry of Justice, Barr. L.A. Abiola, assured the court of his preparedness to move the application for his notice of preminary objection.
He noted that they are not running away from legal battle.
After listening to both counsels, Justice Akintola adjourned hearing on the notice of preliminary objection filed by the defendants to December 14, 2023.
The stool of Alaafin became vacant following the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned for 52 years in 2022.
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