We Remain As Coronet Obas Until Court Decides Otherwise - Ogun Monarchs

From Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta

The Olu of Lisa Igbore Kingdom in Ifo Local Govetnment Area, Ogun state, Oba Oladele Odugbemi has clarified that the status of the 75 traditional rulers still stand as coronet Obas until a valid court ruling or verdict, says otherwise.

The 75 coronet obas cutting across the three Senatorial districts, were appointed by the administration of governor Ibikunle Amosun on 13th May, 2019 but their appointments were revoked later by the succeeding government of governor Dapo Abiodun on the 6th of February 2020. 

The affected monarchs, therefore, approached the court to assert their fundamental rights and challenge the state government revocation notice as well as seek court order declaring the revocation null, void and of no effect.

The Daily Crucible recalls that on 23rd of June 2020 the Hon. Justice A.A Akinyemi  of the State High Court siiting in Abeokuta gave a rulling on the said 75 Coronet Oba's that the status quo be maintained by both parties.

However, clarifying this on Saturday, Oba Oladele said that the "status quo" be maintained does not mean the 75 coronet Obas should revert to their previous Baaleship positions in their respective domains.

On the contrary, he said the status of the 75 traditional rulers remained as coronet Obas and advised the media to correctly inform the public in that perspective and not mislead them on the matter.

He also clarified that they were particularly concerned about the "status quo" as it relates to them and not the Olu Kemta Dabonyin or his present issues with the Police.

He said: "We as Oba should display good characters and complete discipline in both our private and public lives, so whoever has run foul against the laws of the land should face the music himself. We didn’t throw any weight behind Olu Kemta Dabonyin on the alleged criminal allegations leveled against him that are now under police investigations."

Also speaking, Olu Ipebi Ijebu imusin, Oba Tanimowo Folarin, who doubles as the 

Secretary of the 75 Oba's, explained that 

the status quo is the position of things as of 5th February, 2020.

"The revocation was done on the 6th of February 2020. The status quo therefore is the position of things as at 5th February, 2020.

"The concerned 75 Oba's was appointed on the 13th May 2019. Therefore, status quo means they still remain a recognized Oba till date pending the determination of the suit," Oba Tanimowo said.