Suspended Ogun monarch drags Abiodun, police to court

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, has dragged the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and other government officials before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, challenging his suspension from office over alleged involvement 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.”

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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.