The protracted leadership crisis within the Okewaye Ruling House of Ado-Odo in Ogun State has been resolved following a settlement reached at the Ogun State High Court sitting in Idi-Oke.
The resolution, contained in the terms of settlement filed in Suit No. HCI/19/2024, affirmed Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji as the recognised Head (Olori-Ebi) of the Okewaye Ruling House.
The suit was instituted by Adedimeji and three others on behalf of the ruling house against the Ogun State Government and other parties, including Prince Mufutau Francis Adekunle, who had also laid claim to the position.
As part of the agreement, Adekunle formally conceded the leadership of the ruling house to Adedimeji and undertook to desist from parading himself as Olori-Ebi.
In a development that underscored the finality of the settlement, Adekunle, in a public notice, declared that his decision to step down was voluntary and driven by the need to promote peace and unity.
He stated:
“I, Prince Mufutau Francis Adekunle, have voluntarily conceded the position of Head of Family of the Okewaye Ruling House to Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding submitted before the Ogun State High Court, Idi-Oke, in Suit No. HCI/19/2024.
“This decision was made in the interest of posterity, justice, unity, peace, and the continuous progress of the Okewaye Ruling House and the entire Ado-Odo community at large.”
Adekunle further cautioned members of the public against engaging in any parallel activities or ceremonies relating to the disputed stool, warning that such moves would be futile.
“The general public is hereby advised to exercise caution in order not to waste resources on any fruitless engagement or ceremony,” he added.
The parties subsequently urged the court to adopt the terms of settlement as a consent judgment, effectively bringing an end to the legal tussle over the leadership of the ruling house.
By the agreement, Adedimeji is now the sole authority empowered to act on behalf of the Okewaye Ruling House in matters relating to the nomination or recommendation of candidates for the stool of the Olofin of Ado-Odo, in line with the 1956 chieftaincy declaration.
The settlement also resolved all disputes between the claimants and the 6th defendant, with both sides agreeing to bear their respective legal costs.
Findings indicated that the truce was reached to foster unity and prevent prolonged litigation capable of stalling traditional processes within the community.
Legal representatives of both parties endorsed the agreement, which observers say will pave the way for smoother traditional governance and greater stability in Ado-Odo.
The development marks a significant step toward restoring cohesion within the Okewaye Ruling House, a critical stakeholder in the selection process of the Olofin of Ado-Odo.
