The court, in its judgment, held that an individual could not exercise powers not conferred by law.
It consequently dismissed the Deji’s claims and upheld the counterclaims of the defendants, including the Ondo State Government and the Iralepo of Isinkan.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment, the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, described the ruling as a courageous affirmation of the customary law governing the Iralepo chieftaincy and the territorial identity of Isinkan.
He said the community had consistently sought recognition of its traditional institution and the right to exercise authority over its ancestral land.
Oba Olofin-Adimula said the judgment affirmed the community’s longstanding position on its traditional rights and relationship with the Deji of Akure.
“This court has demonstrated courage in affirming the age-long customary law of the Iralepo chieftaincy and the territory of Isinkan in relation to the Deji and Akure,” he said.
He added that Isinkan was only seeking recognition of its traditional institution and the freedom to live on its ancestral land without interference.
“Isinkan asks no more than to be allowed to wear our ancient crown and live happily on our God-given land. This has been our position even before the elites and the Joint Peace Committee of the two communities, to no avail,” he said.
The judgment marks a significant development in the longstanding chieftaincy dispute between the Isinkan traditional institution and the Deji of Akure, particularly regarding the recognition of traditional rulers, the autonomy of the communities and their territorial boundaries.
