Kingmakers deny injunction, press Adeleke on monarch’s appointment

File: Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The kingmakers and chiefs of Ojo town in Osun State have dismissed reports that a state High Court had restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke from filling the stool of the Olojo of Ojo.

The kingmakers said the reported order was false, noting that it was targeted at delaying the development of the ancient community.

In a statement issued by the Ojo Palace, signed by a former councillor, Ojo/Aro Ward 9, Akanji Opatunde, and made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, the traditional council alleged attempts by some people to give the town a negative image and stall the appointment of a new monarch.

The palace noted that Ojo remains a peaceful and united community that deserves its fair share of development under the Adeleke’s administration in Osun State.

“The act of some elements wanting to give Ojo a negative image is unfortunate. Ojo is a peaceful community, and it will serve no one’s interest to want to delay the progressive work other communities are experiencing from the current government of the state led by Governor Adeleke,” the statement read.

The traditional council particularly debunked the claim that the High Court in Ede had restrained the governor from appointing a new Olojo of Ojo.

According to the palace, “The originators of the claim are engaging in a media trial in a bid to disrupt and delay the progress of Ojo town.”

It clarified that the reference being made to an interim court process granted on 11th March, 2026 was misleading and misrepresented the position of the High Court.

The council explained that the said interim order, which by law cannot last more than 14 days, had since elapsed, adding that it was now being mischievously recirculated after over seven months.

“The fact of the situation is that their application seeking an injunction has not been granted by the High Court, since their other application challenging the competency of their suit is pending. Hence, their claim of injunction is a deliberate falsehood to mislead the government and the public at large,” the statement said.

The kingmakers stressed that there was no subsisting order restraining the state government from exercising its statutory duty of filling the vacant stool, and urged members of the public to disregard the false information.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Ojo town, High Chief Jamiu Falowo, has appealed to the state government to expedite action on the appointment of a new traditional ruler.

Falowo described Ojo as a peaceful community whose residents are eager for development, noting that traditional leadership is central to community growth and economic progress.

“Ojo is very peaceful. We believe that government will have mercy on us and bring development to our people. We believe that a town without a king will not witness any economic development. We are patiently and urgently waiting on the government of Osun State to appoint a king for our community in Ojo,” he said.

He called on all sons and daughters of Ojo, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the kingmakers were working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure a transparent and peaceful coronation.

The regent reaffirmed the loyalty of Ojo town to the Adeleke administration and expressed confidence that the governor would not allow the town to suffer a prolonged traditional vacuum.