The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to challenge his suspension by the state government, seeking protection of his fundamental rights.
Titiansloaded reports that the traditional ruler filed the suit against Governor Dago Abiodun and other government officials, asking the court to stop the enforcement of the suspension and prevent any attempt to remove him from his palace.
The case, filed on October 23, lists the governor, the state Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and police authorities as respondents.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Akinyemi’s lawyer, Dele Fadesere, urged Justice A. A. Okeke to grant the application, arguing that his client was suspended without being given an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.
Fadesere maintained that the documents before the court showed that the monarch was denied a fair hearing before the decision was taken.
“Fundamental rights are not mere rights. They are rights that stand above other considerations, and one of the most important is the right to a fair hearing,” the lawyer submitted.
He also questioned why those who made the allegations against the monarch were not brought forward to confront him, describing the suspension as an act of executive lawlessness.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Akinyemi said he received a suspension letter dated October 20, directing him to vacate the palace.
According to him, the letter also instructed him to stop identifying himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom and to refrain from wearing or using royal insignia.
The monarch alleged that the suspension took effect without prior notice or an opportunity for him to defend himself.
He is asking the court to restrain the respondents from removing him from the palace, preventing him from carrying out his traditional duties or interfering with his rights and privileges as a monarch.
Akinyemi further argued that enforcing the suspension before the case is determined would cause irreparable damage to his dignity and the institution of the Eselu of Iselu.
The court adjourned the matter until November 11 for a ruling on the application.
The Ogun State Government had suspended Akinyemi on October 20 over allegations of involvement in partisan political activities.
The government said the State Executive Council approved the suspension under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending an investigation.
In a statement, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, said traditional rulers were expected to remain neutral and serve as fathers to all, in line with customary and statutory provisions.
The government added that the suspension was intended to protect the neutrality and integrity of traditional institutions while the allegations are investigated.
