The Ondo High Court has officially dethroned Oba Michael Adetunji, the first-class monarch of Ute in Ose Local Council, bringing an end to a 29-year-long chieftaincy dispute. The ruling, delivered by Justice Enikuomehin, concludes a protracted legal battle involving the Olule Omoloja ruling house and the now-deposed monarch.
Oba Adetunji, who served as the Olute of Ute for nearly three decades and is a retired military officer, is now barred from parading himself as the Olute. The court has mandated a fresh selection process from the Olule Omoloja lineage to find a new monarch.
The legal proceedings, initiated in 1995, have witnessed numerous twists and appeals, including a Supreme Court decision that remanded the case to the High Court for a fresh hearing after an earlier judgment by the Appellate Court.
Mr. Adewumi Fabuluje, counsel for the claimant, expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s decision. “It’s victory at last for the Olule Omolaja Ruling House,” Fabuluje stated, highlighting the exhaustive judicial journey to this resolution.
In addition to deposing Oba Adetunji, the court ruled that another claimant, Oluwole, who was among the kingmakers, had no rightful claim to the throne. The decision also includes the award of damages, though specific details were not disclosed.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the long-standing chieftaincy tussle, paving the way for a new chapter in Ute’s leadership.