Daud Olatunji
A decade-long legal battle over the rightful authority to appoint the Baale (traditional head) of Olorunda community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State has been dismissed by the Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta.
In a judgment delivered by Justice O.O. Osunfisan, the court struck out both the main suit and the counter-claims for lacking legal merit and due to non-compliance with procedural requirements.
The judge ruled that neither the claimants nor the counter-claimants could establish sufficient legal grounds for the reliefs sought.
The suit, filed on April 29, 2013, was instituted by five claimants—Chief Moses Olusola Ajayi, Chief Saulah Bakare, Chief Segun Philips, Mr. O. Olugbode, and Aminu Biobaku—who sued on behalf of the chiefs and elders of Olorunda.
The community leaders asked the court to nullify the appointment of Chief Sabiu Asamu Adegbola as Baale of Olorunda, alleging that his selection did not follow established customs and was carried out without their consent.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs described the appointment as “an imposition,” alleging that it was done “surreptitiously and in connivance with the Baale of Keesan Orile.”
They also challenged the authority of Oba Apostle Moses A.A. Olabode, the Omala of Imala, who issued the certificate of appointment, claiming he had no jurisdiction over Olorunda.
The defendants—Chief Adegbola (1st), Oba Olabode (2nd), and Chief Rufai Alao Falola, Baale of Keesan Orile (3rd)—insisted that the appointment followed due process.
They argued that Olorunda falls under the jurisdiction of Imala District, giving the Omala of Imala the right to act as the prescribed authority.
Through a counter-claim, the 3rd Defendant, Chief Falola, maintained that Olorunda is traditionally part of Keesan Orile land, and that he, in consultation with other Baales, holds the legitimate power to install a Baale for the area.
He also demanded ₦1 million in damages and a restraining order against the claimants.
During the course of the hearing, the court admitted multiple exhibits and heard testimony from community elders and traditional title holders.
In her judgment, Justice Osunfisan noted that the land on which Olorunda stands was historically granted by multiple communities—Keesan Orile, Olohunda Orile, Ijale Orile, Ijale Papa, and Tibo. She held that no single community or traditional ruler could unilaterally appoint a Baale for Olorunda.
“The appointment of the Baale of Olorunda is a joint responsibility of all the communities that contributed land.
“The court cannot hold that the Baale of Keesan Orile or the Omala of Imala has the sole authority to make such an appointment,” Justice Osunfisan ruled.
She further held that while Chief Adegbola was indeed installed, the defendants failed to prove that Olorunda is exclusively under the Imala District or Keesan Orile jurisdiction. Consequently, the court refused all reliefs sought by both sides.
“The claims of the claimants fail and are therefore dismissed. The counter-claims of the counter-claimant also fail and are hereby dismissed,” the judge declared.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the ruling brings an end to over 11 years of legal wrangling, though it is unclear whether the parties will seek further redress or initiate fresh proceedings.
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