This decision is widely regarded as a significant legal victory for Prince Yomi Ademola Adeyiga-Odeneye, who had challenged the 2011 installation.
The apex court upheld the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, which found that Onakade’s nomination, selection, and appointment as Alakenne of Ikenne contravened the Alakenne of Ikenne Chieftaincy Declaration Edict of 1998.
The apex court upheld the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, which found that Onakade’s nomination, selection, and appointment as Alakenne of Ikenne contravened the Alakenne of Ikenne Chieftaincy Declaration Edict of 1998.
Consequently, the court declared the process that produced Onakade illegal, null, and void, setting aside his approval and restraining him from parading himself as the Alakenne of Ikenne.
This judgment marks a crucial turning point in a long-running legal battle rooted in alleged procedural violations and an improper nomination process within the Obara ruling house following the death of Oba Gilbert Akindoyin Awomuti.
This judgment marks a crucial turning point in a long-running legal battle rooted in alleged procedural violations and an improper nomination process within the Obara ruling house following the death of Oba Gilbert Akindoyin Awomuti.
The dispute involved multiple claims over the rotational system among the Obara, Gbasemo, Iwaye/Orogbe, and Moko families.
While an Ogun State High Court in Sagamu had initially upheld Onakade’s installation in 2020, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in March 2024, a position now affirmed by the Supreme Court.
While an Ogun State High Court in Sagamu had initially upheld Onakade’s installation in 2020, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in March 2024, a position now affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The apex court emphasized that the 1998 Chieftaincy Declaration remains the sole valid legal framework for the selection of the Alakenne and must be strictly adhered to in any future process.
Interestingly, the court clarified that it lacked jurisdiction to bar Onakade from participating in a fresh selection process, leaving him eligible to contest for the stool again.
Interestingly, the court clarified that it lacked jurisdiction to bar Onakade from participating in a fresh selection process, leaving him eligible to contest for the stool again.
A separate appeal filed by the Ogun State Government was also dismissed, reinforcing the appellate court’s decision without alteration.
With the Alakenne stool now officially vacant, a new selection process is anticipated to be initiated in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the ruling, Prince Adeyiga-Odeneye described the outcome as a "moment of liberation" for Ikenne. In a press release, he stated, "IKENNE IS FREE AT LAST! No more arrests, intimidation or oppression." He dedicated the victory to "great warriors who lost their lives during the struggle" and urged for "peace and reconciliation" in the town, while also cautioning against potential fresh disputes.
The Supreme Court's ruling effectively nullifies all decisions and actions made by Prince Onakade during his tenure from May 2011 to March 2024, including any chieftaincy titles he may have awarded.
With the Alakenne stool now officially vacant, a new selection process is anticipated to be initiated in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the ruling, Prince Adeyiga-Odeneye described the outcome as a "moment of liberation" for Ikenne. In a press release, he stated, "IKENNE IS FREE AT LAST! No more arrests, intimidation or oppression." He dedicated the victory to "great warriors who lost their lives during the struggle" and urged for "peace and reconciliation" in the town, while also cautioning against potential fresh disputes.
The Supreme Court's ruling effectively nullifies all decisions and actions made by Prince Onakade during his tenure from May 2011 to March 2024, including any chieftaincy titles he may have awarded.
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