The protracted leadership crisis rocking the Okewaye Ruling House of Ado-Odo, Ogun State, has been resolved following a consent judgment of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Idi-Oke.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the court adopted terms of settlement in Suit No. HCI/19/2024, affirming Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji as the substantive Olori-Ebi (head) of the ruling house.
The suit was instituted by Adedimeji and others against the Ogun State Government and several defendants, including Prince Mufutau Francis Adekunle, who had laid claim to the family headship.
As part of the settlement, Adekunle formally conceded the position to Adedimeji and undertook to stop parading himself as the Olori-Ebi.
In a public notice announcing his decision, Adekunle said his withdrawal was voluntary and aimed at restoring unity within the family and the larger Ado-Odo community.
“I have voluntarily conceded the position of Head of Family of the Okewaye Ruling House to Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji in line with the Memorandum of Understanding submitted before the court,” he said.
He added that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, justice, and the progress of the ruling house, warning members of the public against engaging in any parallel activities or ceremonies relating to the disputed stool.
“The general public is advised to exercise caution to avoid wasting resources on any illegitimate engagement,” he cautioned.
Following the agreement, the parties urged the court to adopt the terms as a consent judgment, effectively ending the legal dispute.
By the resolution, Adedimeji is now the recognised authority to act on behalf of the Okewaye Ruling House, particularly in matters relating to the nomination of candidates for the stool of the Olofin of Ado-Odo, in accordance with the 1956 chieftaincy declaration.
The settlement also resolved all disputes between the parties, with each side agreeing to bear its legal costs.
Findings indicate that the truce was reached to prevent prolonged litigation capable of stalling traditional processes and to restore stability within the ruling house.
Observers say the development is expected to pave the way for a smoother selection process for the Olofin stool and strengthen cohesion within the Ado-Odo community.
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