The oba-elect of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Fawehinmi, has asked the state High Court sitting in Ondo town to restrain the state government from installing another person as the monarch of the community.
According to The Punch, the request followed the state government’s recent approval of Prof Thompson Akinifesi’s appointment as the new monarch of Bolorunduro, a decision Fawehinmi is challenging in court.
Fawehinmi, who instituted the suit before Justice Bolatito Ajibade, accused the government of disregarding an ongoing court process by reappointing Akinifesi while the dispute over the traditional stool remained pending.
He urged the court to reverse the government’s decision and recognise him as the eligible oba-elect of the community.
Through his lead counsel, Mr Thompson Akinyemi, the claimant made the submission during proceedings on Tuesday.
He argued that the government acted improperly by appointing another person despite his having received a letter of appointment during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in 2022.
According to Fawehinmi, the appointment letter was signed by the then Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladuni Odu.
He also asked the court to grant his pending applications and set aside the government’s decision.
However, counsel for Akinifesi, Mr Gbenga Akinbinu, defended the government against the allegations and urged the court to dismiss the claimant’s arguments.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Ajibade adjourned the case until November 24, 2026.
