An Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife has stopped the burial arrangements of the Asiwaju of Ifetedo, Chief Moses Ayanbeku, amid a dispute brought before the court by a family member.
Justice A.O. Adeniji granted an interim order halting all funeral plans and restraining involved parties from proceeding with any burial activities pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
The court further directed the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex not to release the remains of the deceased to relatives or their representatives until the matter is resolved.
The late chief had been scheduled for interment between April 22 and 26, 2026.
The claimant, Mrs Gifty Ayangunilayo Fagunwa (née Ayanbeku), approached the court seeking to stop the burial, and all reliefs she requested were granted.
Among the restraining orders issued was a directive barring the Ife Diocese Anglican Communion and its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, from conducting any funeral service or burial rites for the deceased.
Court filings showed that 17 respondents were listed in the suit, including 14 children and grandchildren of the deceased, led by Hon. Ayandiran Ayanbeku.
Also joined in the suit are the Anglican Diocese, its leadership, and the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, alongside the Department of Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Medicine of Obafemi Awolowo University.
According to the court order in suit number HIF/17/2026, the defendants and their agents have been restrained from taking any steps related to the planning or conduct of the burial.
The order also prohibits the holding of any funeral rites, commendation services, or religious ceremonies concerning the deceased until the court determines the substantive application.
The matter has been adjourned to April 20, 2026, for further hearing.
