Court stops Oyo from appointing parallel monarch

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has barred the state government from appointing a new Aresaadu of Iresaadu in Surulere Local Government Area. The court, presided over by Justice K.A. Adedokun, ruled that the Aresaadu position is not vacant, negating the need for state government action. The decision came in response to a suit filed by Oba Abraham Adeyeye Oyerinde, the incumbent Aresaadu, who sought to prevent the state government from installing another individual in the role.

Oyerinde had been installed in 2019 under the previous governor. The court granted the injunction, stopping the government, Emiolu ruling house, and local kingmakers from nominating, appointing, or approving any candidate for the Aresaadu chieftaincy. The judge emphasized the urgency of protecting the Aresaadu's rights and granting the interim order.