Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tension has gripped the ancient town of Iloro-Ekiti following a landmark judgment by the Court of Appeal, which ordered the removal of Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye as the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti. The ruling, delivered virtually via Zoom on Monday, August 31, 2026, affirmed an earlier decision of the Ekiti State High Court that had deposed the monarch for failing to adhere to the native laws and customs governing his coronation. The appellate court's decision, which has sent shockwaves through the community, effectively nullifies the monarch's claim to the throne, throwing the traditional institution into a fresh crisis.
The presiding appellate court, in its virtual session, upheld the High Court judgment in its entirety, agreeing that while Oba Olugbesoye was properly selected and appointed, he fell short of a critical prerequisite: the performance of traditional rites as prescribed by the native laws and customs of Iloro-Ekiti. Counsel to the plaintiff, Falade Olasunkanmi, confirmed the verdict, stating that the court affirmed the High Court's decision "in its entirety." He described the mood in the town as jubilant, noting that the judgment reflected the will of the people. "That is just it — deposing him," Falade said, while noting that the Certified True Copy of the judgment was expected to be released on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The crux of the legal battle rested not on the validity of the selection process, but on the monarch's alleged failure to complete the traditional rites that are a prerequisite for ascending the throne. Falade explained that the appellate court did not fault the appointment process, but rather the monarch's failure to perform the traditional rites in line with Iloro-Ekiti customs. "Oba Olugbesoye agreed that he did not perform traditional rites in line with the native laws and customs," the plaintiff's counsel stated. This admission, according to the court, was sufficient to render his coronation invalid and justified his deposition.
However, the monarch's legal team has vehemently rejected the verdict, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and vowing to challenge it at the Supreme Court. Counsel to Oba Olugbesoye, Ezekiel Agunbiade, stated that his team is yet to obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment and is not ready to make extensive comments until a thorough review is conducted. He, however, faulted the court's reliance on the alleged lack of evidence, arguing that the monarch had tendered about 32 photographic pieces of evidence to prove his compliance with the rites. "The court was even particular about the fact that there is no evidence of any invitation letter and pictures, aside from the fact that no other person testified, which is not true," Agunbiade said.
In a swift reaction, Oba Olugbesoye expressed shock at the appellate court's decision, insisting that his coronation was conducted in full compliance with traditions. The embattled monarch maintained that those who instituted the case lacked the locus standi to do so, arguing that they were neither kingmakers nor candidates for the throne. "I am surprised, just as my lawyers and everybody, and even those in government circles, are surprised," the monarch said. He insisted that his coronation was well attended and documented, pointing to the presence of the then Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, who presented him with the staff of office.
Determined to reclaim his throne, Oba Olugbesoye has already filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court and an application for a stay of execution of the appellate court's judgment. His legal team filed the notice of appeal on the same day the judgment was delivered, and the application for a stay was filed the following morning. Agunbiade noted that the law provides the court with seven days to issue the Certified True Copy of the judgment. As the legal battle moves to the apex court, the town of Iloro-Ekiti remains divided, with some residents celebrating the judgment as a victory for tradition, while others rally behind the deposed monarch, hoping for a reversal of the decision at the Supreme Court.
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