By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Supreme Court has nullified the installation of Oba Mosudi Adeyinka Onakade as the Alakenne of Ikenne in Ogun State, declaring the traditional stool vacant and bringing an end to a prolonged legal dispute over the throne.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel on Friday, the apex court ruled that the process leading to Oba Onakade’s emergence violated the Chiefs Law of Ogun State as well as the registered declaration governing the Alakenne chieftaincy.
The court consequently ordered that a fresh selection process be conducted in strict compliance with the law and established customary procedures guiding the ruling houses in Ikenne.
The judgment overturns earlier rulings of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had upheld Oba Onakade’s installation in 2023. The decision is widely seen as a significant legal victory for Prince Yomi Ademola Adeyiga-Adeneye, who challenged the process in court, alleging exclusion of eligible ruling houses and breaches of due process.
The dispute followed the death of the previous Alakenne, which triggered competing claims among multiple ruling houses. Although Oba Onakade was installed with the approval of the Ogun State Government, the process was contested in court by Prince Adeyiga-Adeneye.
The Alakenne stool is now officially vacant pending a new selection process.
The Supreme Court did not declare any individual as the new Oba, leaving the contest open.
Relevant authorities, including the Ikenne Council of Chiefs, the local government, and the Ogun State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, are expected to initiate a fresh nomination process in line with the ruling.
Counsel to Prince Adeyiga-Adeneye described the judgment as a victory for due process and the preservation of traditional customs.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from Oba Onakade’s camp. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs stated it would review the Certified True Copy of the judgment before issuing further directives.
Community leaders in Ikenne have appealed for calm, urging residents to see the ruling as an opportunity to foster unity and ensure a transparent and peaceful selection of a new traditional ruler.
