Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Dispute
The tranquil town of Ogere-Remo in Ogun State, Nigeria, finds itself embroiled in a chieftaincy tussle that has now spilled into the courts. At the heart of the matter lies the appointment of Oba James Obafemi Saliu as the Ologere of Ogere-Remo, a decision vehemently contested by the Kankanbina ruling house. The Kankanbina family asserts that the rightful rotation for the throne belongs to them, not the Aremo and Gushemade families from which Oba Saliu hails. This disagreement over succession has culminated in a lawsuit filed against the Ogun State government and several key figures involved in Oba Saliu’s appointment. The case, presided over by Justice M A Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court, Sagamu, is set to commence trial on May 21, 2025.
Paragraph 2: The Plaintiffs and Their Grievances
Representing the Kankanbina ruling house, Prince Olugbenga Adewoju, along with Rev Frederick Atakan, Mrs. Kehinde Odetola, and two other individuals, initiated legal proceedings in May 2023. Their primary grievance revolves around the alleged "wrongful selection and imposition" of Oba Saliu. They argue that the Kankanbina family, according to established custom and tradition, should have been afforded the opportunity to nominate and install the next Ologere. The plaintiffs claim to have duly nominated Prince Olugbenga Adewoju and submitted his name to the relevant authorities, only to have their nomination rejected.
Paragraph 3: Alleged Irregularities in the Selection Process
The lawsuit details the sequence of events leading to Oba Saliu’s appointment, highlighting alleged procedural irregularities and disregard for the Kankanbina family’s claim. The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, named as a defendant in the suit, is accused of rejecting the Kankanbina family’s resolution and nomination. He allegedly convened a meeting that included candidates outside the Kankanbina family, where Oba Saliu was ultimately nominated by members of the Aremo and Gushemade families. This action, according to the claimants, disregarded established protocols and violated their customary rights.
Paragraph 4: Efforts to Resolve the Dispute and Subsequent Escalation
In an attempt to address the escalating tension, the Kankanbina ruling house presented their grievances to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzat. Although a meeting was scheduled between the disputing parties, the Commissioner reportedly proceeded with Oba Saliu’s installation ceremony before the meeting could take place. During the subsequent meeting, the Commissioner allegedly advised the Kankanbina family to seek legal redress, implying that the installation was a fait accompli. This perceived dismissal of their concerns further fueled the family’s resolve to pursue legal action.
Paragraph 5: Relief Sought by the Kankanbina Ruling House
The lawsuit seeks a series of declarations from the court to rectify what the Kankanbina family perceives as a miscarriage of justice. They request an official declaration affirming that the Kankanbina ruling house is the rightful entity to present a candidate for the Ologere stool. Furthermore, they seek a declaration nullifying Oba Saliu’s appointment, asserting that the process was conducted in contravention of customary tradition, the chieftaincy declaration, and the Chiefs Law of Ogun State. Finally, the plaintiffs request the court to recognize Prince Olugbenga Adewoju as the legitimate candidate for the throne, given his proper nomination by the Kankanbina family.
Paragraph 6: The Path Forward: Legal Proceedings and Anticipation
With the lawsuit now formally lodged and the defendants named, the legal battle for the Ologere stool is set to unfold. Justice Akinyemi has scheduled the commencement of the trial for May 21, 2025. This date marks the beginning of what could be a protracted legal process, during which both sides will present their arguments and evidence. The outcome of this case carries significant implications for the future of chieftaincy succession in Ogere-Remo and the recognition of customary law within the broader legal framework of Ogun State. The community awaits the court’s decision, hoping for a resolution that respects tradition, ensures fairness, and ultimately brings peace to the town.
