The Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has nullified the installation of Alexander Macgregor as the Olu of Ilawo, declaring the process leading to his emergence as unlawful.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi ruled that Macgregor must cease identifying as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, until the court resolves the case challenging his selection process.
The ruling followed a suit filed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo, which sought to halt Macgregor’s installation and invalidate his claim to the throne.
Justice Majekodunmi criticized the Ogun State government for installing Macgregor despite ongoing legal proceedings, labeling the act as a blatant disregard for the judiciary.
The judge underscored the legal obligation for parties in a court case to refrain from actions that could undermine judicial authority.
In her words: “It is impunity and disregard to this court for the defendant to go ahead with the installation of the 7th defendant (Macgregor) despite the pending court case.
“Immediately, a case is ongoing; people are under a legal duty not to go ahead with anything pending the determination of the suit. Doing such is tantamount to undermining the integrity of the court.”
The court granted an order mandating Macgregor to stop parading himself as the Olu of Ilawo.
It also directed the withdrawal of all official symbols of authority conferred upon him by the government.
Justice Majekodunmi further restored the Olu of Orile Ilawo stool to its status quo as at the time all parties submitted themselves to the court.
The dispute began when the Ogunsanya-Ariku family alleged that warrant chiefs approved by the Ilawo Traditional Council were replaced with unknown individuals to manipulate the nomination and selection process for the stool, left vacant after the death of the former king on December 24, 2021.
Reacting to the judgment, Dr. David Ogunsanya, secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasties, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for ensuring justice.
“Today, we are elated to brief the distinguished members of the press that the installation of Mr. Olusegun Macgregor has been nullified and discarded by a competent court of law with an instruction that he should henceforth desist from parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo,” Dr. Ogunsanya stated.
He added, “Going forward, any action contrary to this court ruling would, by our understanding of its dictates, amount to contempt of the court, which shall be reported to the appropriate quarters for every action.”
