The Ogun State High Court has ruled to nullify the installation of Alexander Macgregor as the Olu of Ilawo, declaring the process illegal. In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi ordered Macgregor to stop posing as the Olu of Orile Ilawo until a proper determination is made regarding the legality of his nomination.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family, which contested the legality of the installation process and Macgregor’s claim to the throne. The family argued that Macgregor’s installation was carried out despite ongoing legal proceedings, and they requested that the court stop the installation, deeming Macgregor’s ascension invalid.
In her judgment, Justice Majekodunmi criticized the Ogun State government’s decision to proceed with Macgregor’s installation, describing it as an act of impunity and disregard for the judicial process. She emphasized that once a matter is before the court, all involved parties must avoid taking actions that could compromise the integrity of the court’s decision.
As a result, the court issued a mandatory injunction to restrain Macgregor from presenting himself as the Olu of Ilawo and ordered the withdrawal of all official symbols, including the staff of office, that had been conferred upon him by the state government.
The Ogunsanya-Ariku family had filed the lawsuit after allegations surfaced that key warrant chiefs, approved by the Ilawo council of chiefs, were replaced with unfamiliar names to facilitate the illegal selection process for the throne, following the death of the previous king on December 24, 2021.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Dr. David Ogunsanya, Secretary to the Aiku and Ogunsanya dynasty, praised the judiciary for upholding justice. He warned the public that anyone continuing to recognize Macgregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo was doing so at their own risk, as defying the court’s ruling could lead to contempt of court charges.
Ogunsanya further emphasized that the Ogunsanya-Ariku family had resorted to litigation to avoid violence and promote peace, and any further action contrary to the court’s ruling would be reported to the appropriate authorities.