By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Judge rules application lacks merit, orders speedy determination of substantive suit
The Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has declined to grant an interim injunction sought by an aspirant to the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde Adesanya Marshall.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by the presiding judge of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi, who held that the application for interim relief was devoid of merit.
Marshall had approached the court seeking an order to restrain the Ogun State Government and other respondents from taking any further steps in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland, pending the determination of his substantive suit.
In refusing the request, Justice Omoniyi ruled that the circumstances presented by the applicant did not justify the grant of an interim injunction. However, the court emphasized the need for a swift resolution of the dispute.
Consequently, the judge ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive matter and fixed January 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
The suit challenges the ongoing Awujale succession process, with the applicant alleging violations of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law as well as an infringement of his constitutional right to fair hearing.
The case is expected to draw significant attention as the legal contest over the revered Awujale stool continues.
