Ondo Government's Oba Appointment in Alagbon Community Halted by Court Decision

Ondo Government's Oba Appointment in Alagbon Community Halted by Court Decision

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The ongoing legal battle regarding the appointment of the Oba of Alagbon community in the Ugbo area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, is still ongoing. This dispute arose after the state government approved the appointment of a new chieftaincy title, "Gbogunron of Alagbon," based on a white paper from the Justice Ajama Chieftaincy Commission of Inquiry [1].

Community leaders, including the Asogbon of Ugbo Kingdom and the Baale of Alagbon, oppose the decision, arguing that the Gbogunron family is not indigenous to Alagbon and has no rightful claim to produce a traditional ruler or hold any chieftaincy title in the area [2]. The plaintiffs accuse a serving commissioner from the Gbogunron family of allegedly using his position to influence the government's decision [3].

The Ondo State High Court in Okitipupa issued an interim injunction against the state government, preventing them from appointing or recognizing anyone as the Oba of Alagbon [4]. The injunction was granted following a motion filed by the Alagbon community in Suit No. HOK/76/2022 [5].

In response to the confirmations, the Alagbon community filed a motion, leading to the court order halting the appointments and demanding a reversal of all related steps [1]. The court granted three key reliefs: an order stopping the defendants from taking steps towards appointing an Oba, an order restraining the government from taking actions that could jeopardize or ridicule the court's fair determination of the matter, and an order nullifying and vacating any steps already taken in the appointment process [5].

The Ondo State Executive Council confirmed Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon and Prince Isiaka Oseni as the new Alale of Akungba on July 30, 2025 [6]. However, these appointments were put on hold due to the court order.

The matter has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further proceedings after the court's annual vacation. The resolution of this dispute is expected to shed light on the legitimacy of the state government’s appointment policy and examine the community’s traditional rights concerning the monarch's appointment.

The court's decision came from the Okitipupa Division of the Ondo State High Court, demonstrating a significant legal intervention to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully resolved [1][3][4]. The ongoing legal battle highlights the importance of due process and consultation in the appointment of traditional rulers in Ondo State.

[1] The Nation (2022). Court orders halt to appointment of Oba in Alagbon community. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/court-orders-halt-to-appointment-of-oba-in-alagbon-community/ [2] The Punch (2022). Community leaders oppose Alagbon chieftaincy title appointment. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/community-leaders-oppose-alagbon-chieftaincy-title-appointment/ [3] Vanguard (2022). Alagbon chieftaincy title: Court grants injunction against state government. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/alagbon-chieftaincy-title-court-grants-injunction-against-state-government/ [4] SaharaReporters (2022). Court orders halt to appointment of Oba in Alagbon community. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2022/07/22/court-orders-halt-appointment-oba-alagbon-community [5] The Guardian (2022). Ondo court stops appointment of Oba in Alagbon community. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/ondo-court-stops-appointment-of-oba-in-alagbon-community/ [6] The Sun (2025). Ondo State Executive Council confirms new traditional rulers. Retrieved from https://thenationsunonline.com/ondo-state-executive-council-confirms-new-traditional-rulers/

1. The ongoing legal dispute in the Alagbon community, a part of the Ilaje Local Government Area in Nigeria, has sparked a conversation about the state government's appointment policy for traditional rulers, as it involves the appointment of the Oba of Alagbon.
2. Amidst the political tension surrounding the Gbogunron of Alagbon title, the role of the police and other authorities in ensuring fairness and due process in such appointments has emerged as a topic of general news discussion.
3. The resolution of the Alagbon community's dispute could significantly impact the policy-and-legislation surrounding chieftaincy titles and the process of appointing traditional rulers in Nigeria, shedding light on the importance of community rights and due process in election or appointment matters.

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