The Osun State Government has announced its decision to appeal the ruling of an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, which on Thursday invalidated the government’s White Paper that approved the removal of Oba Adegboyega Famodun as Owa of Igbajo.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, described the ruling as a shock, citing a previous judgment from the same High Court that had validated the White Paper.
“The same High Court of Osun State had earlier upheld the government’s White Paper in the case of Chief Rasheed Diekola Toogun & 4 Ors v. Governor of Osun State & 8 Ors (HOS/8/2024), delivered by Justice Agboola on November 11, 2024,” Alimi stated.
The commissioner urged all parties to maintain the status quo until the Court of Appeal resolves the matter. He reassured residents that the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
“We have taken the ruling of the High Court of Justice, Ile-Ife, presided over by Justice A.O. Ayoola, in good faith and in line with the dictates of the law, which the administration of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, believes in and is always ready to uphold,” Alimi said.
He emphasized that all necessary appeal papers have been filed, and the government is determined to pursue the legal process.
Meanwhile, Alimi called on residents of Igbajo to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning against any attempt to take the law into their own hands.
“It will be out of place and in sharp contrast to the peaceful atmosphere reigning in Igbajo and Osun State at large for anyone to resort to lawlessness. The government will not tolerate any act of disorder,” he warned.
Security agencies have been directed to ensure peace in the community while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
