Court Restrains Makanjuola Afolabi as Odole of Ilesa Pending Hearing as Interim Injunction Halts Claim, Maintains Status Quo — Case Still Far From Decided

The High Court of Justice of Osun State, sitting in the Ilesa Judicial Division, has granted an interim injunction restraining Chief Makanjuola Afolabi from parading himself as the Odole of Ilesa, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The order was issued by Hon. Justice M. O. Agboola on February 26, 2026, following an ex-parte application filed by High Chief Adebola Oyeleye Orolugbagbe, who is suing on behalf of the Nikunogbo Ogboro of Arobiomo Ruling Houses.

In Suit No. HIL/15/2026, the claimant joined several defendants, including the Osun State Government, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ilesa West Local Government, His Imperial Majesty Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, and Makanjuola Afolabi.

Details of the Court Order

The court granted the application as prayed, issuing a series of restraining orders against the 6th defendant, Makanjuola Afolabi. He is prohibited from:

Parading himself as the Odole of Ilesa

Entering, using, or going within the Odole palace

Dealing with or managing any Odole chieftaincy assets, including lands and farmlands

Installing or removing any person from chieftaincy positions under the authority of the Odole stool

Receiving any salary, remuneration, or entitlement attached to the stool from Ilesa West Local Government or any arm of government

The court held that the interim measures were necessary to maintain the status quo ante bellum—that is, the state of affairs before the dispute—pending the hearing of all parties.

Implications of the Interlocutory Injunction

Legal observers note that the grant of an interim or interlocutory injunction does not amount to a final determination of the substantive case. Rather, it is a temporary measure aimed at preserving the subject matter of the dispute and preventing actions that could render the court’s eventual judgment ineffective.

In this instance, the court’s decision simply restricts the 6th defendant’s activities concerning the Odole stool until arguments from all sides are fully heard. It does not confer legitimacy on any party nor resolve the underlying chieftaincy dispute.

The implication is that the substantive rights of the parties remain undecided, and the court may affirm, vary, or set aside the interim orders after considering the motion on notice and the full merits of the case.

Next Hearing Date

The matter has been adjourned to March 24, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, where all parties are expected to present their arguments.

Until then, the interim orders remain in force.

Kakakioodua recalls that Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, HIM, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, reiterated his firm commitment to revitalizing the Ijesa traditional and socio-cultural system in a way that promotes fairness, equity, and dignity.

The monarch, made this known during the installation of three new chiefs in Ilesa. The newly appointed chiefs are the Odole of Ilesa, High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi; the Risikin of Isinkin, Chief Oyedele Oyewumi; and the Bolorunduro of Bolorunduro Ilesa, Chief Olabode. The installations took place at Aralu Okemese.

Owa Haastrup noted that he inherited a largely unregulated traditional system but, drawing from his administrative background, is determined to standardize the institution to enhance socio-economic development in Ijesaland.

Makanjuola Afolabi succeeded Adebola Orolugbagbe, who was earlier removed from office over allegations of abuse of power, including the conversion of family land for personal use and other acts of misconduct.