The Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has ordered the suspension of the proposed installation of the third place chief and male regent in Aisegba Ekiti, following a legal challenge instituted by members of the Ajia Oloketuyi Ruling House over alleged violations of custom and tradition.
The court made the order after an application for interlocutory injunction was filed, seeking to restrain the relevant traditional authorities and government officials from proceeding with the installation of a male regent pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The suit was filed by seven claimants namely Prince Adekunle Daramola, Chief Adedemi Awe, Mrs Victoria Akinola nee Omotoyinbo, Prince Akintayo Adaralewa, Engineer Kolade Omotoyinbo, Dr Benjamin Daramola, and Prince Folagbade Omotoyinbo.
The claimants stated that they are suing for themselves and on behalf of the Ajia Oloketuyi Ruling House of Aisegba Ekiti, which they insist is the rightful ruling house entitled to produce a regent in line with the community’s long established customs which allows a female regent to take over once the monarch of the town joins his ancestors.
Those listed as defendants include prominent kingmakers of Aisegba Ekiti who were alleged to have misled and misinformed the public and the government officials on the tradition which allows female regent to be enthroned, the officials of Ayekire Local Government, the Ekiti State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, and the Attorney General for Justice of Ekiti State.
The dispute is based on the alleged attempt to install the first defendant , High Chief Bodunde Egunjobi as the Regent of Aisegba Ekiti, a move the claimants argue was initiated without due regard to the customary processes governing regency appointments in the town.
In granting the interim relief, the court restrained the second to the tenth defendants from taking any step to install the proposed regent until the substantive issues before it are fully determined.
The court further directed that all parties maintain the status quo in order to preserve peace and prevent actions that could complicate the resolution of the matter.
The claimants also asked the court to compel the kingmakers to strictly comply with the custom and tradition of Aisegba Ekiti in the appointment of a regent, arguing that any deviation could undermine the authority of the stool.
Aisegba Ekiti is one of the ancient towns in Ekiti state with a deeply rooted traditional governance structure anchored on established ruling houses and carefully defined succession procedures.
Historical records and oral traditions indicate that the Aisegba stool operates a rotational system among recognized ruling houses, with the Ajia Oloketuyi Ruling House being one of those traditionally entitled to ascend the throne and produce a regent where applicable.
Regency in Aisegba Ekiti is traditionally a temporary arrangement put in place to administer the affairs of the community when the substantive stool becomes vacant, pending the installation of a substantive monarch.
Custom demands that such a regent must emerge through consultations involving the ruling house, kingmakers, and relevant traditional authorities, ensuring balance, legitimacy, and communal acceptance.
The claimants argue that the current process being challenged failed to meet these requirements, thereby necessitating judicial intervention.
Some observers within the town explained that the decision of the court to halt the installation reflects growing judicial sensitivity to disputes involving traditional institutions, especially where alleged breaches of custom could trigger unrest.
They noted that by restraining both traditional and government actors, the court highligthed the principle that statutory authority must operate within the bounds of established custom in chieftaincy matters.
The inclusion of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, the Deputy Governor, and the Attorney General as defendants has further drawn attention to the role of the state in regulating traditional affairs.
Sources within Aisegba Ekiti said the court order has temporarily eased tension in the community, with many residents welcoming the move as a step towards ensuring fairness and adherence to tradition.
Counsel to the claimants, Folaranmi Onifade Esq and B A Adenipekun Esq, expressed confidence that the court would give full consideration to the historical and customary issues raised in the suit.
The court has directed the defendants to enter appearance within the stipulated time, warning that failure to do so could lead to proceedings continuing in their absence.
The matter is expected to come up for further hearing as the court begins a detailed examination of the competing claims, a process that could shape the future handling of regency and succession disputes in Ekiti State.