Oba-elect Fawehinmi Challenges Monarch Appointment in Court

Oba Samuel Fawehinmi, the oba-elect of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area, has filed a lawsuit in the Ondo State High Court to stop the installation of Prof Thompson Akinifesi as the new monarch of Bolorunduro. Fawehinmi claims that the Ondo State Government's recent approval of Akinifesi's appointment constitutes an infringement of ongoing court proceedings, asserting that he had already received a letter of appointment in 2022 from the then Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Oladuni Odu, during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He is seeking the court's intervention to rescind the government's decision and formally install him as the eligible oba-elect. During the court proceedings, Fawehinmi's lead counsel, Mr Thompson Akinyemi, presented the case, while Mr Gbenga Akinbinu, representing Prof Akinifesi, defended the government's actions.

Justice Bolatito Ajibade has adjourned the case to November 24, 2026.