Solicitors to the Kabiyesi Onirun of Irun Akoko and four others have faulted the Ondo State Executive Council for approving the Owa Adimula of Okeoro stool despite a subsisting court order, describing the move as a violation of the rule of law.
The legal representatives, led by Tolu Babaleye, in a press statement issued to newsmen on behalf of their clients, expressed strong displeasure over what they termed disregard for judicial authority in the handling of the chieftaincy dispute.
The lawyers said a High Court sitting in Ikare had, on February 18, 2026, issued an order restraining parties from taking further steps on the matter pending the determination of Suit No: HCIK/20/CIV/2025.
They, however, alleged that despite the subsisting order, the state executive council went ahead on April 14, 2026, to approve and grant official recognition to the Owa Adimula of Okeoro stool.
The statement read, “This action is not only unfair, but a deliberate overreach on the rights of the claimants who are before the court seeking justice. By this step, the Executive Council has attempted to render the ongoing proceedings nugatory and pre-empt the court’s final judgment.”
The solicitors further described the decision as shocking, arguing that it undermines the same judiciary that confers legitimacy on governments through constitutional processes.
“Our clients hold the judiciary in the highest esteem and believe that no individual or government is above the law. This development sets a dangerous precedent capable of threatening peace and stability in Akoko North West and Ondo State at large,” the statement added.
They also raised concerns over security in the affected communities, alleging that residents of Oke Irun, particularly Ogo and Imoleji quarters, were living in fear following activities linked to the newly recognised stool.
“At the time of this statement, the so-called Adimula of Okeoro is parading areas beyond his jurisdiction, while protests staged on April 17 were allegedly used to intimidate communities opposed to the chieftaincy creation,” the lawyers claimed.
The solicitors called on the state government to immediately withdraw the recognition granted to the stool pending the final determination of the case, while urging authorities to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.
They warned that their clients might initiate contempt proceedings against the Governor, the Attorney-General, and members of the Executive Council involved in the decision.
“The rule of law must prevail, no matter whose ox is gored,” the statement concluded.
