The Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has reversed the installation of Alexander Macgregor as the Olu of Ilawo, declaring the process illegal.
The presiding judge, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, in her ruling yesterday, ordered Macgregor to stop parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo pending the determination of the suit against the processes that led to his nomination.
The ruling was in response to a suit filed by Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo, who had prayed the court to stop the installation, and declare Macgregor’s claim to the throne invalid.
Delivering the judgment, the judge condemned the government’s action in proceeding with Macgregor’s installation despite pending court cases, describing it as an act of impunity and disregard for the court.
Justice Majekodunmi emphasised that once a case is before the court, all parties are under a legal duty not to take any action that could undermine the integrity of the court.
The court, therefore, granted an order of mandatory injunction restraining Macgregor from parading himself as the Olu of Ilawo, and restoring the Olu of Orile Ilawo stool to the status quo.
The judge also ordered the withdrawal of all instrument and staff of office and other symbols of authority that had been bestowed on Macgregor by the government.
She declared: “It is an impunity and disregard to this court for the defendant to go ahead with the installation of the 7th defendant (Macgregor) despite pending court case.
“Immediately a case is ongoing, people are under 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, order 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, Secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasty, Dr David Ogunsanya, commended the judiciary for upholding justice.
