Akinrun Stool: Court Upholds Adeleke’s White Paper, Dismisses Kingship Suit

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun has dismissed the suit filed by the Ikirun kingmakers and Prince Yinusa Akadiri against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun State Government, affirming the validity of the White Paper issued by the state government on the Ikirun kingship crisis.

According to Daily Post, the case, presided over by Justice M. O. Agboola, marked a significant victory for the Adeleke administration as the court ruled in favour of the state government’s decision to nullify the previous appointment process for the Akinrun stool.

The White Paper, issued in early 2024, recommended a fresh selection process in accordance with its findings, setting aside the appointment of Prince Yinusa Akadiri.

The plaintiffs, comprising the kingmakers of Ikirun and Prince Akadiri, had sought to overturn the White Paper’s recommendations, arguing that the decision to annul the appointment process was unjust.

READ: Ikirun Elders Raise Alarm Over Plot To Forcefully Claim Akinrun’s Stool

However, Justice Agboola dismissed their claims, emphasizing the sanctity of the state government’s report, which was aimed at resolving the kingship tussle amicably.

Recall that the appointment of Prince Akadiri as Akinrun of Ikirun was announced in October 2022 during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The announcement, made through a statement signed by the then Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, stirred controversy among stakeholders in Ikirun.

Upon assuming office on November 27, 2022, Governor Ademola Adeleke took immediate steps to address the dispute by nullifying Prince Akadiri’s appointment.

This led to the issuance of the 2024 White Paper, which highlighted irregularities in the appointment process and recommended starting afresh to ensure fairness and transparency.