Deji of Akure Battles Over 100 Court Cases in Decade-Long Reign

Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, has revealed that his reign as the traditional ruler has been riddled with legal battles—more than 100 court cases—primarily revolving around the legitimacy and scope of his authority across Akure-speaking communities. The disclosure came during a media parley at his palace in Akure, the Ondo State capital, marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.

In what was both a celebration of a decade on the throne and a candid appraisal of challenges faced, Oba Aladelusi did not hold back about the persistent legal opposition that has cast a shadow over his rule. He noted that while traditional authority in Nigeria has often faced political or communal friction, the sheer volume of litigation he has encountered is unprecedented and deeply troubling.

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Paramouncy Disputes: A Kingdom in the Courts

The monarch emphasized that the central issue at the heart of the disputes is the recognition of his throne as the prescribed authority over all Akure-speaking communities, irrespective of local government boundaries.

“For the past 10 years, we have faced several challenges. As of now, we have more than 100 cases in court,” Oba Aladelusi said. “There are people from various places challenging the Deji’s status as the prescribed authority.”

He insisted that any community speaking the Akure dialect, whether from Akure North, Akure South, or Ifedore, traditionally belongs under the Deji’s jurisdiction. This claim, however, has not sat well with some communities and rival chiefs, many of whom have taken their objections to court.

“I believe any community that speaks the Akure dialect is Akure,” he stated. “Whether Akure North, South, or Ifedore — they are all Akure. And who is the prescribed authority? It is the Deji. That has been the case from time immemorial. I’m not imposing myself on anyone.”

A Plea for Unity Among Akure Rulers

Oba Aladelusi further explained that from the moment he ascended the throne a decade ago, he embarked on a mission to unify the Akure-speaking territories, urging all traditional rulers within the cultural sphere to respect the historical structure of leadership.

“When I became Deji, I told other Akure rulers we must not rival the Deji’s stool,” he recounted. “It would be like me challenging the Ooni or the Alaafin. That would be laughable.”

He cited historical ties and lineage as proof of the Deji’s centrality, mentioning that communities like Iju, Ogbolu, and Ijare were all founded by descendants of Deji royalty. “No one from Akure North or South can compete with the Deji,” he said.

This attempt to preserve the integrity of Akure’s traditional authority, however, has not stopped repeated legal challenges from some quarters who seek greater autonomy or equal recognition.

Political Aspirations: Call for an Akure Governor

Beyond the courtroom battles, the monarch also voiced his aspirations for political progress, particularly a long-standing dream to see an Akure indigene become the next governor of Ondo State. He lamented that disunity among Akure-speaking communities has continually hindered this ambition.

“Everybody wants his son to be governor. There is no unity,” Oba Aladelusi said, his tone a mix of disappointment and resolve. “If we had been united, we would have produced a governor long ago.”

He urged Akure people to see beyond local divisions and work together toward shared political goals. “But the next governor of Ondo State will be from Akure — and I mean Akure North, South, or Ifedore. We are one,” he affirmed.

As his 10th year on the throne comes to a close, Oba Aladelusi’s reflections offer a window into the tension between tradition and modernity, legacy and ambition. His words highlighted not only the legal turbulence surrounding his kingship but also a deep-rooted desire for cohesion and advancement for his people.

While the courtrooms may continue to buzz with cases challenging his rule, the Deji of Akure remains steadfast in asserting the cultural and historical legitimacy of his authority—a voice that echoes with both the weight of tradition and the urgency of unity.