Internal Dispute Rocks Aresa-Adu Succession Battle as New Motion Stalls Court Proceedings

Ibadan, Oyo State – The protracted legal battle to fill the vacant Aresa-Adu chieftaincy stool has taken a dramatic turn following the emergence of a new motion in court, allegedly orchestrated by four members of the Emiolu Ruling House. Court documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Prince (Dr) Fenwa Popoola, Prince Timothy Tunwagun, Prince Kola Oladipo, and Prince Oladele Olaleye have been identified as the individuals behind the latest legal maneuver, which has led to a further adjournment of the highly anticipated case.

These four princes reportedly filed a fresh motion claiming to represent the interests of the Emiolu family. This development comes as a surprise and source of consternation to other members of the ruling house, who have been consistently represented by a legal team led by the former Attorney General of Oyo State, Chief Barrister Micheal Lana, since August 2024. Lana’s team has reportedly secured favorable rulings in previous court sessions, raising questions about the timing and intent of this new intervention.

The Mogaji of the Emiolu Ruling House, Pa Julius Olanipekun, expressed his profound disappointment and bewilderment at the actions of the four princes. “We are shocked that some sons who are well-known in this family would take such actions, especially at this final stage of the case,” he lamented. “Whoever advised them to do this intends to destroy our chances. We, the elderly members and even our Kingmakers, have been painstakingly contributing transport money and risking our lives traveling to each court sitting in Ibadan, only for this to be a betrayal from within.”

Pa Olanipekun affirmed the family’s unwavering commitment to seeing the case to its conclusion and finally installing an Aresa-Adu. “We will not let the actions of a few individuals undermine our efforts. We are confident in our case and are hopeful that justice will be served,” he asserted.

Adding to the sentiment of frustration, a family member who preferred anonymity stated, “Our team of lawyers, headed by the former Oyo Attorney General, has assured us of victory. When we are now close to getting a final hearing and judgment, these people have now decided to bring in a new lawyer and a new motion. God has exposed their sponsors, and we will expose that person soon if they don’t stop.”

Chief Barrister Micheal Lana’s legal team echoed these sentiments, describing the actions of the four princes as a deliberate act of internal sabotage. One of the lawyers on the team questioned the motives and familial ties of the individuals, stating, “Based on the widespread publications of this case since August 2024, any of these four individuals who claim not to be aware of this case are either not truly members of the Emiolu family, or they have deliberately come to sabotage this case to work against the interest of their own family.”

Another family elder, Chief Adeyemi Oladapo, emphasized the need for unity within the Emiolu Ruling House, especially at this critical juncture. “These four individuals have never followed us to the court in Ibadan since the inception of this case in 2024. It is evident that some people are trying to play the Oshunbiyi and Emiolu Royal families against each other. God is finally exposing them,” he declared.

The unfolding development has ignited palpable tension within the Emiolu family. Many members are reportedly urging the four princes to immediately withdraw their new motion and discontinue their newly appointed legal representation. The family remains resolute in their collective desire to see the eight-year-long vacancy of the Aresa-Adu stool filled without further delay.

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Having secured a favorable ruling on April 30th, the majority of the Emiolu family maintains strong confidence in their existing legal team and expresses optimism for a swift resolution. The central question now being asked within the family is why these four individuals have chosen this crucial final stage to introduce a move that threatens to prolong the already lengthy legal process.

As the case proceeds, the Emiolu family leadership is appealing to all its members to remain united and steadfast in their pursuit of installing a new Aresa-Adu. “We will expose the sponsor behind this sabotage and ensure that our family’s interests are protected,” Pa Olanipekun reiterated. “I am an elderly person, and people I consider my children are not meant to partake in this kind of act without first consulting us, their fathers.Our own children caught us off guard in the courtroom. But I am asking all members of the family to remain resolute in our conviction that we will be victorious.”

Further investigations are underway to ascertain the identities of the alleged sponsors and the full implications of this new motion on the Aresa-Adu succession case.