In a recent development, the High Court 1 in Oyo town has dismissed a lawsuit brought forward by the Basorun of Oyo town, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and four other plaintiffs against Governor Seyi Makinde and two other individuals concerning the vacant Alaafin stool. Notably, High Chief Ayoola and the other plaintiffs were not present in court when the judgment was delivered.
The additional claimants in this case, identified by the suit number HOY/38/2023, include Chief Wakeel Oyedepo, who holds the title of Akinniku of Oyo; High Chief Amuda Yusuf, who is recognized as Areago Basorun; Chief Waheed Oyetunjii; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, who holds the title of Baale Alapo.
Barrister Sobaloju, who serves as the Lead Counsel to the claimants, was represented in court and had previously requested the withdrawal of the original suit HOY/38/2023, replacing it with a fresh one. His argument centered on the submission that a new suit had been filed in lieu of the previous one.
It’s worth noting that Barrister Sobaloju had earlier sought to maintain the status quo on the two motions that were pending before the Court on Monday. However, this request was not granted, as the defense counsel pointed out that they had not yet submitted a counter affidavit regarding the ex parte motion. As a result, the Court adjourned the case until Thursday.
In an unexpected turn of events, the counsel for the claimants, rather than proceeding with the case as initially intended, filed for the withdrawal of the previous case and the representation of a new one. Based on this development, Justice Ladiran Akintola decided to strike out the case and informed the counsels that the date for the hearing of the fresh suit would be communicated.
Although the counsel expressed a desire for the case to proceed, Justice Akintola argued that a review of the case file was necessary before setting a new hearing date.
During the court proceedings, the defendants were represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo.
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