PRESS RELEASE
August 14, 2025
The Ogunsanya-Ariku Family, along with concerned stakeholders in the Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, wishes to address recent public claims made by Mr Alexander Olusegun MacGregor regarding the status of his Appeal against the ruling of the Ogun State High Court. We issue this statement to provide factual clarity, uphold the integrity of the judicial process, and ensure the community is not misled by unsubstantiated assertions. Our position is rooted in respect for the rule of law and a commitment to peaceful resolution of this longstanding chieftaincy matter.
On January 28, 2025, the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, presided over by Honourable Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, delivered a landmark Ruling in Suit No: AB/789/22, wherein, the court Set Aside the installation of Mr. MacGregor as the Olu of Orile-Ilawo, declaring the process an act of impunity amid an ongoing litigation.
The Ruling included explicit orders: a mandatory injunction restraining Mr. MacGregor from parading himself as the Olu, the withdrawal of all symbols of office (such as the staff and instruments of office), and the restoration of the Olu stool to its status quo ante—as at 21-10-2022- the position before his purported installation. The Honorable Court relied on the evidence that the matter was already pending before a competent court before he was installed as Olu of Orile Ilawo which is in total disobedience to the rule of law.
The court granted both an interlocutory injunction and a restorative mandatory injunction.
The restorative mandatory injunction mandated (compels) the 1st – 3rd defendants (relevant Government Parastatals involved) to actively undo the illegal installation by withdrawing all symbols and instruments of office (such as the staff of office and other regalia) and restore the the Olu of Orile Ilawo stool to its status quo ante as at 21-12-2022 when parties had fully submitted to the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court.
The other injunction mandated the 7th defendant ( Mr. Macgregor) to maintain status quo as at 21-12-2022 and refrain from addressing himself to the general public or anybody whatsoever, in any manner, howsoever, as the Olu of Orile-Ilawo pending the determination of the substantive suit. Hence, he has no power to exercise any powers associated with the stool pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
This distinction is crucial: while the injunction halts further misconduct, the specificity of the restorative mandatory injunction demands proactive reversal of the harm already caused, directly addressing the illegality of his coronation and preventing the perpetuation of a fraudulent claim to the title. This distinction is very crucial.
In response, Mr. MacGregor filed a notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan 10th February, 2025 with compilation and transmission of records to appeal on August 5, 2025. We acknowledge and respect his constitutional right to seek appellate review even though the transmission of record of appeal was done out of the court stipulated period by the rules of the court. However, the Appeal remains undecided. Claims suggesting otherwise are premature and inaccurate. Hence, the Ruling of the Honourable Court still subsist until set aside by the appellate court.
Furthermore, we must firmly refute Mr. MacGregor’s assertion that the mere filing of an Appeal grants him the right to continue parading himself as the Olu of Orile-Ilawo. Under Nigerian law, the filing of a notice of an appeal does not suspend the Ruling of the High Court until the Appeal is finally determined.
This principle is clearly established in Section 24 of the Court of Appeal Act (2004) and Order 7 Rule 3 of the Court of Appeal Rules (2021), which stipulates that a stay of execution must be explicitly applied for and granted by the court on merit. Without such an order, The High Court’s Ruling remains binding and enforceable.
The alleged Statement from Mr. MacGregor’s camp and MacGregor himself claiming that the High Court Judge “acknowledged the ruling has no effect pending the appeal” or that an automatic stay was included with the appeal filing appear to be unsubstantiated and self-serving. We challenge these claims and call for the production of any documentary evidence issued by the appellate court supporting his assertion.
In the absence of such documentation, Mr. MacGregor’s continued use of the title and symbols of the Olu of Orile Ilawo stool constitutes a direct violation of the Court’s Order, potentially amounting to contempt of Court under Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act. A Form 48 has already been filed.
Under the Chiefs Law of Ogun State and constitutional provisions (Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution), Chieftaincy disputes falls under the Jurisdiction of the High Court, and Appeals do not alter the binding nature of Rulings/Judgments without an order for Stay. Recent cases like the Iralepo Chieftaincy Tussle show that Appeals can prolong disputes..
Hence, Mr Alexander MacGregor must prove a stay was granted (if any). Without it, the High Court still subsist and remain binding
This position is supported by numerous judicial precedents in Chieftaincy disputes across Nigeria. For instance, the Supreme Court has consistently held that Appeals do not operate as automatic Stay, particularly, where they could undermine the preservation of the res (the subject matter, in this case, the chieftaincy title). Cases such as Govt. of Gongola State v. Tukur emphasize that stays are discretionary and not granted lightly to avoid rewarding non-compliance. Similarly, in Mallam Jimoh Salawu v. Mallam Aliyu A. Yusuf, the Court of Appeal reinforced the need to maintain the status quo unless a stay is justified.
Compounding the urgency of this matter is another quasi-criminal binding over order issued by the Magistrate Court, which bound Mr. Macgregor over for a period of three(3) years to maintain peace within the Orile-Ilawo Community. This order, designed to prevent breach of public/Community peace and foster communal harmony. However, recent actions of Mr. Alexander Macgregor, including the installation of parallel Baales and their imposition on Villages over the existing/established and recognized Baales are severely undermining the peace and harmony of our communities across the homestead and also in total disobedience to the sanctity of our Court which must be respected and safeguarded.
We urge Mr. MacGregor to strictly adhere and comply with the binding over order issued by the Magistrate Court. We equally urge him to also adhere strictly to the Honorable High Court’s Orders (injunctions) pending the outcome of the Appeal.
The Olu of Orile Ilawo Stool remains vacant pending the determination of the substantive suit. Continued defiance not only risks legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment, but also exacerbates tensions within the Orile-Ilawo Community, which deserves stability and adherence to Traditional and Legal norms. The Chiefs Law of Ogun State and Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) vest authority in the Courts to resolve such matters, and we remain confident in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice.
The Ogunsanya-Ariku Family calls on all stakeholders, including the Egba Traditional Council, local government authorities, and community leaders, to be in total Compliance with Order of the High Court and as such, the Olu of Orile Ilawo stool remains vacant pending the determination of the substantive suit. We further use this opportunity to urge the relevant stakeholders involved in the selection process to embrace fairness, equity, and transparency in selecting a true Indigene as soon as the Judgment is delivered by the Honourable Court.
In the meantime, the enforcement of these orders is not discretionary but are to be adhered to strictly.
We also appeal to the media and the public to verify information from credible sources to prevent the frivolous spread of misinformation.
We trust that relevant Government offices will act with the alacrity this matter deserves, prioritizing justice, peace, and the rule of law.
We remain committed to dialogue and reconciliation but will pursue all lawful avenues to enforce the court’s judgment and protect the sanctity of our cultural heritage.
Updates on this matter will be provided as developments arise.
For further inquiries, please contact the representatives listed above.
Signed by
Dr David Oluwaseun Ogunsanya
Family Secretary,
Ogunsanya- Ariku Family.
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