The Supreme Court has put an end to the 16-year-long legal dispute over the Alara stool of Aramoko-Ekiti, affirming the installation of the late Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi as the monarch. The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Prince Segun Aderemi, a claimant to the throne, ruling that the appeal lacked merit.

Key Details:

• The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Idris Mohammed, upheld the decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal, which had earlier supported the enthronement of Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi.
• The judgment emphasized that Prince Aderemi failed to present compelling arguments or exceptional circumstances that could justify overturning the lower courts’ rulings, which were described as “sound, firm in law, and unimpeachable.”

Background:

• Prince Aderemi and Oba Olu-Adeyemi both hailed from the Arakale Ruling House of Aramoko-Ekiti.
• The legal battle had lasted for over 16 years, with both parties contesting the rightful occupant of the Alara stool, which led to a prolonged period of tension in the community.

Reactions:

• Kabir Akingbolu, a human rights lawyer, praised the decision, saying it reaffirmed that traditional leadership is ultimately shaped by divine will and the collective will of the people.
• Akingbolu also criticized the prolonged legal struggle, highlighting that the late monarch was not just a relative but also a mentor to Prince Aderemi. He noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling has helped bring peace to Aramoko-Ekiti after years of discord.

Implications:

• The judgment has brought closure to a long-standing dispute and is expected to restore stability and unity to the community.
• It also reinforces the principle that traditional leadership in Nigeria cannot be dictated by personal interests but must reflect the will of the people.

With this ruling, the legal battle over the Alara stool is officially closed, and Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi’s enthronement stands confirmed, ending years of tension in Aramoko-Ekiti.