Obaro of Kabba: Court restrains Owoniyi from parading self as Obaro

The Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja has granted an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining Chief Solomon Owoniyi from parading himself as the Obaro of Kabba.

It barred Owoniyi from doing anything relating to the position of the Obaro, pending determination of the substansive motion.

Justice M. M. Gwatana ordered that Kogi State government and the state Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs Ministry that were joined in the suit to refrain from taking further action to recognise Owoniyi or any other person, except from the Ilajo Royal Family as having the right to the chieftaincy of Obaro, pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice.

The Ilajo Royal family had approached the court, challenging Owoniyi’s appointment as the Obaro of Kabba on the ground that he is not a member of the royal family.

They sought that the court declares the Ilajo Royal family as the custodian of the chieftaincy stool, and the only family that can occupy the revered stool.

The three ruling houses: Mokelu, Ajinuhi and Ajibohokun, had shortly after Awoniyi’s appointment, rejected the government’s choice, describing it as “politically motivated”.

The case is adjourned till September 4.