In an application for interlocutory injunction filed in suit No. HIF/50/2026, the former monarch asked the court to restrain the governor, his representatives and other defendants from taking further steps towards appointing another person as Apetumodu of Ipetumodu pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In the motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, Oloyede contended that he was not formally notified of any alleged misconduct or infraction before the state government proceeded with his removal.
He specifically challenged the legality of the action, alleging that his deposition was effected through an instrument purportedly signed by Governor Adeleke on May 7, 2026, without prior notice or an opportunity for him to respond to the allegations against him.
The application referred to a report published by The Guardian on May 11, 2026, which stated that the governor had deposed the monarch.
Oloyede maintained that neither the governor nor the relevant state ministries had communicated any wrongdoing to him before the purported removal was announced.
Other claimants in the suit are Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, who instituted the action on their own behalf and for other members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.
The defendants include Governor Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, the Asalu of Ipetumodu and head of the kingmakers, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu and Ife North Local Government.
At the proceedings on Monday, however, the court could not hear the application following a dispute over the service of hearing notices on the parties.
Only counsel to the claimants, O. Ogbewe, and Soji Oyetayo, who appeared for the fifth defendant, Chief Adesoye Babalola, were present in court.
Ogbewe informed the court that the relevant processes had been served on the defendants.
However, Oyetayo disputed the assertion, telling the court that he had not received the hearing notice. He consequently requested an adjournment to enable the claimants to effect proper service on all the defendants.
In his ruling, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the matter until January 21, 2027, and directed that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.
The adjournment means that the court is yet to determine the application seeking to restrain the state government from proceeding with the appointment of a replacement.
The suit also brings into focus the legal issues surrounding the removal of traditional rulers, particularly the requirements of due process and compliance with applicable chieftaincy laws.
The Gavel had earlier reported that Governor Adeleke approved Oloyede’s deposition following his conviction in the United States on charges relating to tax fraud and money laundering.
No determination of the substantive claims or the application for interlocutory injunction was made at Monday’s proceedings.
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