‘Executive Recklessness’: Eselu’s Lawyers Blast Ogun Govt Over Suspension, Demands Fair Hearing In Court

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has dragged Governor Dapo Abiodun and four other respondents before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta over his suspension from office, seeking an interim injunction restraining the governor and others from enforcing the suspension order.

The suspension suit, marked FHC/AB/FHR/148/26, was filed after the monarch was suspended on October 20, 2026, over allegations of partisan political activities, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE SUSPENSION

The Ogun State Government had announced the suspension of Oba Akinyemi in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against the monarch.

According to the letter, the council acted following several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.

The government warned that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations .

As part of the conditions of the suspension, Oba Akinyemi was directed to vacate the palace and refrain from entering it throughout the period of his suspension. He was also instructed not to present himself as, or claim recognition as, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, and was prohibited from wearing or using any crown, beaded staff, irukere or other paraphernalia associated with the office of an Oba .

ADVERTISEMENT

THE LAWSUIT

In the suit, the monarch is seeking an interim injunction restraining the governor and other respondents from enforcing the suspension order issued on October 20, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit .

The other respondents are the Ogun State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.

In an ex parte motion dated October 23, 2026, filed before the Abeokuta Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, the monarch asked the court to restrain the respondents, their agents and officers from implementing or giving effect to the suspension letter.

He also sought an order restraining the respondents from compelling him to vacate the Eselu Palace, preventing him from presenting himself as the traditional ruler or stopping him from wearing his crown and other royal insignia.

Additionally, he asked the court to restrain the respondents from harassing, intimidating, arresting or detaining him, or otherwise interfering with his exercise of the rights and functions of his office.

The monarch also wants the court to direct the Commissioner of Police and officers under his command not to take any steps to enforce the suspension pending the determination of the application and the substantive suit.

THE FAIR HEARING ARGUMENT

In a 12-paragraph affidavit supporting the application, Oba Akinyemi stated that he received a letter dated October 20, 2026, from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, notifying him of his immediate suspension as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom.

According to him, the letter directed him to vacate the palace immediately, stop presenting himself as the traditional ruler and refrain from wearing or using any royal paraphernalia .

He, however, challenged the procedure adopted by the state government, alleging that he was neither given prior notice of the intended suspension nor afforded an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. In paragraph six of the affidavit, he stated: “That I was never given any prior notice or opportunity to be heard before the suspension was imposed on the allegation alleged”.

He argued that the government’s action raised constitutional issues bordering on his right to fair hearing as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

THE COURT PROCEEDINGS

When the matter came up on Wednesday, counsel to the monarch, Dele Fadesere, who appeared alongside two other lawyers, urged the court to grant the interim injunction.

Fadesere argued that the application was necessary to protect his client’s fundamental right to fair hearing and prevent what he described as executive recklessness and lawlessness.

After hearing the application, Justice Agatha Okeke fixed November 11, 2026, for ruling.

THE MONARCH’S DEFENCE

Before the suit was filed, Oba Akinyemi had denied the allegations against him, challenging the Ogun State Government to substantiate its claims of partisan politics.

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the monarch asserted that he had been a supporter of the current administration since its inception and argued that the government lacked evidence to support its position, adding that several traditional rulers in the state openly participated in politics without facing sanctions.

“It is still an allegation because the letter is vague,” Oba Akinyemi said. “That is the right description. It is just partisan politics, and I think they need to substantiate that” .He added: “I am telling you now that I am not partisan. I have been a friend of this present administration from its inception. As a Yoruba Oba, I also support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” .”On this issue of being partisan, you need to ask them for proof because I can count at least twenty Obas in Ogun State who are partisan without even looking at a book. I am a friend of this administration to date, and I have spent 22 years on the throne. Any claim that I am partisan must be backed by evidence”.

WHY IT MATTERS

The suspension of a traditional ruler is a rare and significant action. It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between traditional institutions and partisan politics in Nigeria.

The Ogun State Government argues that partisan politics is prohibited by law and that the suspension was necessary to preserve the dignity of the institution.

Oba Akinyemi argues that he was denied fair hearing and that the allegations against him are vague and unsubstantiated.

The court will now decide.

Justice Okeke’s ruling on November 11 will determine whether the suspension stands or whether the monarch returns to his palace.

For the people of Iselu Kingdom, the wait continues. And for the institution of traditional rulership in Ogun State, the case could set a precedent for how monarchs are disciplined in the future.

The suit has been filed. The arguments have been made. And the court will have the final say. ValidViewNetwork reports.