The court has reversed Macgregor’s installation as the Olu of Ilawo in Ogun.
Glamtush reports that the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta on Tuesday reversed Alexander Macgregor’s installation as the Olu of Ilawo, declaring the process illegal.
This online news platform understands that Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi ruled that Macgregor must stop posing as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, pending the determination of the suit against the processes that led to his nomination.
The court’s decision was in response to a suit filed by Ogunsanya- Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo, who had prayed to the court to stop the installation and declare Macgregor’s claim to the throne invalid.
Delivering the ruling, the judge condemned the government’s action in installing Macgregor despite pending court cases, describing it as an act of impunity and disregard for the court.
Justice Majekodunmi emphasized that once a case is before the court, all parties are legally obliged not to take any action that could undermine the court’s integrity.
The court, therefore, granted an order of mandatory injunction restraining Macgregor from parading himself as the Olu of Ilawo and restoring the Oluoff Orile Ilawo stool to the way it was when all parties had submitted before the court.
The judge also ordered the withdrawal of all instruments of office, staff, and other symbols of authority that the government had bestowed on Macgregor.
Justice Majekodunmi said, “It is impunity and disregard to this court for the defendant to go ahead with the installation of the 7th defendant (Macgregor) despite the pending court case.
“Immediately, a case is ongoing; people are under a legal duty not to go ahead with anything pending the determination of the suit. Doing such is tantamount to undermining the integrity of the court.
“The court hereby orders the withdrawal of staff of office and other things that make Macgregor as Olu of Ilawo pending the determination of the suit.
“The 7th defendant should also refrain from parading himself as Olu of Ilawo.”
The Ogunsanya-Ariku family approached the court after warrant chiefs approved by the Ilawo tradition council of chiefs were allegedly shortchanged and substituted with strange names to nominate and select the candidate to fill the stool of Olu of Orile Ilawo after the former king’s death on December 24, 2021.
They had also sought to halt the installation process, challenging Macgregor’s claim to the throne.
Reacting to the ruling, Dr David Ogunsanya, secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasties, commended the judiciary for upholding justice.
Dr. Ogunsanya said, “Today, we are elated to brief the distinguished members of the press that the installation of Mr. Olusegun Macgregor has been nullified and discarded by a competent court of law with an instruction that he should henceforth desist from parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.
“Going forward, any action contrary to this court ruling would, by our understanding of its dictates, amount to contempt of the court, which shall be reported to the appropriate quarters for every action.”
