Breaking: Court Nullifies Installation of MacGregor as Olu of Orile Ilawo

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

.....Bars Him From Parading Himself in Public Functions 

ABEOKUTA – In a significant legal development, the Ogun State High Court has declared the installation of Alexander MacGregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo illegal, ordering him to cease all representations of himself as the monarch pending the resolution of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of his nomination.*

The ruling, delivered by Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi, came on Tuesday in response to a suit filed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo. The family contended that MacGregor's installation violated traditional practices and legal protocols. Justice Majekodunmi condemned the actions of the Ogun State government for proceeding with MacGregor's installation despite the pending legal proceedings, characterizing it as an act of impunity that undermines the authority of the court.

In her statement, Justice Majekodunmi emphasized the legal obligation of all parties involved to refrain from actions that could compromise the judicial process once a case is filed. She issued a mandatory injunction, restraining MacGregor from presenting himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo and restoring the royal stool to its status prior to MacGregor’s purported installation.

The court also ordered the withdrawal of all official instruments, staff of office, and symbols of authority that had been conferred upon MacGregor by the Ogun State government.

The lawsuit was initiated by the Ogunsanya-Ariku family after they alleged that the traditional council of chiefs in Ilawo had been manipulated, with warrant chiefs being replaced by unfamiliar names during the nomination process following the death of the former king on December 24, 2021. They sought an injunction to halt the ongoing installation process and contest MacGregor’s claims to the throne.

Following the ruling, Dr. David Ogunsanya, Secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasty, expressed gratitude towards the judiciary for upholding justice. He highlighted the family’s commitment to peaceful resolution through legal means, avoiding potential communal conflicts.

“We are pleased to inform the media that the installation of Mr. Olusegun MacGregor has been nullified by a competent court of law,” Ogunsanya stated. “We hope that this ruling will be reported widely, as it reflects our dedication to justice and the integrity of our traditions.”

He warned that any actions taken contrary to the court's ruling would be considered contempt of court, with appropriate measures to be taken against those who continue to support MacGregor’s claims. “Members of the public who still recognize Mr. Olusegun MacGregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo do so at their own risk,” he cautioned.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute over the Olu of Orile Ilawo title, underscoring the importance of adherence to traditional processes and the rule of law in resolving conflicts surrounding royal succession in Ogun State. The final determination of the suit is awaited, as the community and stakeholders reflect on the implications of the court’s decision.