Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom situated in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has taken legal action against Governor Dapo Abiodun and other state officials at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to contest his recent suspension over allegations of engaging in partisan politics.
Abiodun had suspended Eselu in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
According to the letter, the suspension was approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against the monarch.
The letter explained that the council acted following “several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.”
The government noted that partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute, warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations.
It said the suspension was in the interest of peace, order and good governance in Ogun State, particularly in Iselu Kingdom, while the allegations were subjected to an official and detailed review.
However, the monarch approached the Federal High Court, alleging that he was suspended without prior notice or an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
In the application filed before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Judicial Division, with suit number FHC/AB/FHR/148/26, Akinyemi is seeking an order restraining the respondents from compelling him to vacate the Eselu Palace or stopping him from performing his traditional functions.
Other respondents in the suit are the Ogun State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.
The monarch is also asking the court to restrain the respondents from preventing him from presenting himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom or wearing his crown, ileke, beaded staff, irukere and other traditional royal insignia.
He sought an order preventing the police and other government officials from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining or interfering with him in the exercise of his rights and functions as the traditional ruler.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Akinyemi stated that he received a suspension letter dated October 20, 2026, from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, directing him to immediately vacate the palace, stop presenting himself as the Eselu and discontinue the use of royal paraphernalia.
Meanwhile, the court has fixed November 11, 2026, for ruling on the monarch’s application.
Justice A.A. Okeke fixed the date after listening to arguments from the monarch’s counsel, Dele Fadesere, on Wednesday.
The lawyer urged the court to protect the traditional ruler’s fundamental rights pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Fadesere told the court that the application was necessary to safeguard the monarch’s rights and prevent the enforcement of the suspension from undermining the legal proceedings.
What You Should Know
Traditional rulers in Nigeria are traditionally expected to remain politically neutral, serving as fathers to all political parties and members within their domains. When a monarch is suspended by the state government for allegedly taking sides in politics, it sparks a legal battle that tests the boundaries of government authority over traditional institutions.
- Positive Impact: The court case provides a legal avenue to clarify the exact powers of state governors over traditional rulers, ensuring due process and fair hearing are respected.
- Potential Concerns: The ongoing legal dispute could create tension between local traditional authorities and the state government, potentially affecting peace and governance within the Iselu community.
