The Onifiditi of Fiditi in Oyo State, Oba Oyeleye Sakirudeen, on Wednesday, appealed against the ruling of an Oyo State High Court that nullified his appointment as the Onifiditi of Fiditi.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the state High Court had, while ruling over a suit, marked IHOY/59/2013, filed by two applicants, Samuel Ogunkunle and Bayo Oyewale, against the traditional ruler and seven others, granted an order of mandatory injunction setting aside the selection and appointment of Oba Sakirudeen.
Other respondents are Ademola Akande, Depo Oguntoyin, Kunle Oniyitan, the Oyo State Governor, Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Adebola.
The judge also granted an order restraining the defendants and their agents from taking any further action, step or proceeding towards or in pursuance of filling the vacant stool of Onifiditi of Fiditi pending the determination of this suit.
Justice Olawoyin also awarded a cost of N200,000 in favour of the applicants against the defendants and adjourned the suit till May 22, 2024.
The notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division by Onifiditi’s counsel, Femi Alamu, on Wednesday, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the lower court erred by setting aside the selection and appointment of Oba Sakirudeen as Onifiditi of Fiditi.
The counsel said, “The judge failed to consider that the governor has powers to upgrade and jettison the Baaleship which had been in contention among the people of the town and create a new kingship title which has now put an end to the problem in Fiditi town.
The counsel urged the court to set aside the ruling of the lower court which nullified the selection and appointment of Oba Sakirudeen as the Onifiditi of Fiditi.
The case is, however, yet to be assigned to any judge.
