Macgregor defies court, parades self as Olu of Orile Ilawo

A recent court ruling has not stopped Alexander Olusegun Macgregor from parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, a traditional stool in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Despite the court’s order to cease claiming the title, recent development has revealed that Macgregor has openly defied the ruling.

The most recent display of his defiance was at a Ramadan event held at the Macgregor Compound in Ilawo.

It was observed that Macgregor attended the event dressed in full traditional regalia, complete with a horsetail symbolising his authority as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

The event drew a large crowd and featured insightful speeches.

Recall, that Justice O.O Majekodunmi of the State High Court in her ruling on January 28, 2025, on suit case; AB/789/2022, ordered Macgregor to refrain from parading himself or addressing himself to the general public or anybody whatsoever in any manner howsoever as the Oba or Olu of Orile Ilawo, pending the determination of the suit.

The judge also ordered the Ogun State government and relevant parastatals to withdraw and/or retrieve the staff of office and instrument of appointment and/or any certificate of Obaship and/or emblems of authority such as ancient crown, beads, horsetails or handmade crown/resemblance or any other kingly paraphernalia that shall portray the 7th Defendant – Mr Alexander Olusegun Macgregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

The matter was adjourned to the 19th day of March 2025.

Despite the ruling, recent findings show that Macgregor ignored the court and has since been parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

At the recent event, Macgregor decked himself in the full traditional attire of an “Oba”, a crown crested headgear and adorned with his horsetail – Irukere-, introduced and addressed himself as Olu of Orile Ilawo repeatedly throughout the event .

Imam Eniaolemu, the chief Imam of Ilawo, at this maiden Ramadan lecture, spoke extensively on the “Importance of prayer when faith is on trial”, explained that Allah has the full knowledge of all situations; hence, there is a need for everyone to submit to the will of Allah.

Reacting to Macgregor’s disregard to court ruling, a prominent son of Ilawo, Mr. Oluwaseun Odeniyi warned that not complying with a court order could lead to contempt of court, which is a crime, adding that any affront to the peaceful administration of justice is disdainful.

He added, “Accordingly, the preliminary mandatory injunction Order is in full force and effect, and is the law of this case so far. Nevertheless, the defendants, particularly Mr Alex Macgregor, have chosen to ignore and disobey it.

“The reality is that we shouldn’t have to be here. If Mr Macgregor followed the law, we wouldn’t be here and I am certain there are non exhaustive mandatory steps necessary for the punishment of contempt of court, committed by failure to carry out the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.”