The Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has ordered an Ogun state monarch, Alexander Macgregor to immediately vacate his throne, pending the determination of the suit against the processes that led to his nomination.
The presiding Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, who gave the ruling on Tuesday and warned Macgregor against parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, declaring the process that installed him as illegal.
Delivering the ruling, the judge condemned the government’s action in installing Macgregor despite pending court cases, describing it as an act of impunity and disregard for the court.
The court’s decision was in response to a suit filed by Ogunsanya- Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo, who had prayed to the court to stop the installation and declare Macgregor’s claim to the throne invalid.
Delivering the ruling, the judge condemned the government’s action in installing Macgregor despite pending court cases, describing it as an act of impunity and disregard for the court.
In his words, Justice Majekodunmi said, “It is impunity and disregard to this court for the defendant to go ahead with the installation of the 7th defendant (Macgregor) despite the pending court case.
“Immediately, a case is ongoing; people are under a legal duty not to go ahead with anything pending the determination of the suit. Doing such is tantamount to undermining the integrity of the court.
“The court hereby orders the withdrawal of staff of office and other things that make Macgregor as Olu of Ilawo pending the determination of the suit.
“The 7th defendant should also refrain from parading himself as Olu of Ilawo.”
Reacting to the ruling, Dr David Ogunsanya, secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasties, commended the judiciary for upholding justice.
Dr. Ogunsanya said, “Today, we are elated to brief the distinguished members of the press that the installation of Mr. Olusegun Macgregor has been nullified and discarded by a competent court of law with an instruction that he should henceforth desist from parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.
“Going forward, any action contrary to this court ruling would, by our understanding of its dictates, amount to contempt of the court, which shall be reported to the appropriate quarters for every action.”
