Court Halts Oyo Govt Over Aresaadu Stool

​An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has issued an interim injunction restraining the state government, kingmakers, and the Emiolu ruling house from nominating, approving, or installing a new or parallel traditional ruler for Iresaadu.

​The ruling, delivered by Justice K.A. Adedokun in suit number HOI/6/2026, follows an application brought before the court by the incumbent Aresaadu of Iresaadu, Oba Abraham Adeyeye Oyerinde.

​The legal action was triggered by fresh directives issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters directing local authorities to commence processes for a fresh nomination. The monarch had earlier raised alarms over alleged plots to truncate his reign and install a parallel traditional ruler, maintaining that his stool remains occupied and has not been declared vacant by any court of competent jurisdiction.

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​Granting the interim order, Justice Adedokun held that the applicant’s rights were under threat and required immediate judicial protection. The court barred all parties from taking any steps concerning the chieftaincy stool pending the hearing and final determination of the motion on notice.