The Ekiti State High Court has sacked the Agere of Okeringun, Omuo-Oke Ekiti, Mr Jamiu Dende, on the grounds that his appointment did not follow due process. The court ruled that the Olomuooke of Omuo Oke, Oba Valentine Adebayo Otitoju, lacked the power to appoint the sacked chief in accordance with the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.
The case was brought to court in 2019 by the head of the Isalu clan and the Elerebi of Omuooke Ekiti, Chief Michael Akomolehin, who sought redress after Oba Otitoju appointed Dende against the custom and tradition of the land. In the ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Blessing Ajileye, stated that the power to install minor chiefs in their domain resides with the Anda, Ejisun, and Olijoji, who are the heads of the three clans in the town. The monarch, on the other hand, only has the power of approval.
Justice Ajileye considered all the evidence provided by the claimant as cogent, reliable and credible, leading to the pronouncement. The ruling serves as a reminder that traditional rulers and community heads must operate within the ambit of the laws governing their territories while carrying out their administrative duties.
It is hoped that the decision of the Ekiti State High Court in this regard will serve as a deterrent to those who might wish to circumvent established processes. It is also a clear indication that the rule of law remains the bedrock of any democratic system.
