An Ondo State High Court sitting in Okitipupa has issued an interim injunction restraining the state government from appointing or recognising any individual as the Oba of Alagbon community in the Ugbo area of Ilaje Local Government Area.

Naijaonpoint reports that Justice T.M. Adedipe granted the order following a motion filed by the Alagbon community in Suit No. HOK/76/2022, brought by D.J. Ayenowo Esq. of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, challenging the alleged imposition of a monarch by the state government.

The court granted three key reliefs, including an order stopping the defendants and their agents from taking steps toward appointing an Oba in Alagbon community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

An order restraining the government from taking any action that could jeopardise or ridicule the court’s fair determination of the matter.

An order nullifying and vacating any steps already taken, such as issuance of a staff of office or official documentation purporting to appoint any person as Oba of Alagbon until the case is resolved.

The dispute arose after the state government approved the appointment of a monarch with the title “Gbogunron of Alagbon,” based on a White Paper issued by the Justice Ajama Chieftaincy Commission of Inquiry.

Community leaders, including the Asogbon of Ugbo Kingdom, High Chief Isiah Adewole Demehin, and the Baale of Alagbon, Mallon Ogede, opposed 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.

The plaintiffs accused a serving commissioner from the Gbogunron family of allegedly using his position to influence the government’s decision.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Ondo State Executive Council on July 30, 2025, announced the confirmation of Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon, along with Prince Isiaka Oseni as the new Alale of Akungba.

In response, the Alagbon community swiftly filed a motion, leading to Thursday’s interim court order halting the appointments and demanding reversal of all related steps.

A senior official of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs confirmed to Vanguard the receipt of the order, assuring that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, “as a respecter of the rule of law,” would comply.

Copies of the injunction were served on all relevant parties, including the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary to the State Government, the Olugbo of Ugbo, and legal representatives of the Gbogunron family.

The matter has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further proceedings after the court’s annual vacation.