The Ilajo Royal Family of Kabba in Kogi State has hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding their right to contest for the revered Obaro stool.
In a statement on Sunday by Dr Samuel Alori, President-General of the Ilajo Descendants Union, the family expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Alori described the ruling as the climax of a seven-year legal battle that commenced in 2018.
The family declared their readiness to present cultural and historical evidence at the lower court for fair adjudication of the matter.
They urged all members to remain calm, peaceful, and united during the continuation of the legal process.
“The Ilajo family praised the Supreme Court for upholding truth and justice, stressing that falsehood can never prevail over the truth.
“With this verdict, we are fully prepared to present our case at the lower court,” Alori reaffirmed.
The dispute began when the Kogi government appointed Chief Dele Owoniyi as Obaro of Kabba, prompting opposition from the Ilajo Royal Family.
They argued Owoniyi lacks ancestral ties to Ajinuhi, Ajibohokun, and Mokelu – the three ruling houses of the Ilajo Royal Dynasty.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, May 16, upheld the Appeal Court’s judgment in favour of the Ilajo Royal Family.
The apex court ordered the Chief Judge of Kogi to reassign the case for accelerated hearing.
