The Court of Appeal has ordered the removal of the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye, upholding an earlier judgment of the Ekiti State High Court.
The judgment was delivered virtually on Monday, August 31, 2026, amid tension in Iloro-Ekiti. Counsel to the plaintiff, Falade Olasunkanmi, said the court affirmed the lower court’s decision in its entirety.
Falade explained that the court did not question the monarch’s selection or appointment but ruled that he had not completed the traditional rites required under the native laws and customs of Iloro-Ekiti.
However, counsel to Oba Olugbesoye, Ezekiel Agunbiade, disagreed with the judgment. He said the defence team had not yet received the Certified True Copy of the judgment but confirmed that the monarch had already filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.
Agunbiade also said an application for a stay of execution had been filed, arguing that the monarch presented substantial evidence, including documents and photographs, to show that the required installation and coronation ceremonies were conducted.
Oba Olugbesoye, reacting to the ruling, said he was surprised by the decision and maintained that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge his position because they were neither kingmakers nor candidates for the throne.
The monarch also insisted that he fulfilled the traditional requirements and that his coronation was attended by several traditional rulers and government officials.
He further explained that the traditional practices of Ijero-Ekiti and Iloro-Ekiti are historically connected, arguing that some of the rites associated with the Oluloro are performed in Ijero-Ekiti.
Oba Olugbesoye said the Supreme Court would now have the opportunity to determine the matter as his legal team challenges the Court of Appeal’s decision.
