Aseyin Chieftaincy Dispute: Judge Tells Chief Judge To Reassign Case

High Court of justice sitting in Oja-Agbe, Iseyin area of Oyo State on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, heard proceedings in the ongoing chieftaincy tussle over the Aseyin stool. The matter, which has generated wide interest across Iseyinland, involves the Ogbolu/Oluwole family (claimants) and the Akando/Majaro/Olugbile family (defendants).

The suit, filed as HSY/4/2023, is challenging what the claimants describe as the unlawful removal of their family from the list of royal lineages entitled to ascend the prestigious Aseyin throne. Presiding judge, Justice S.O. Ajayi, took submissions before ruling that the case be referred to the Chief Judge of Oyo State for reassignment to another judge.

‎During the proceedings, lead counsel to the claimants, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Lawyer Taiwo, argued that his clients had, since May 26, 2025, filed an application seeking to amend the suit. According to him, the defendants, represented by Chief Adeoye, failed to respond within the five-day window permitted under the Oyo State High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

‎“The rules are clear that when an amendment application is served, the other party is expected to counter within five days if opposed. The defendants have failed to do so,” Taiwo SAN told the court.

However, Justice Ajayi noted that the defendants’ counsel had been unavoidably absent due to ill health, which explained why he had not entered a response or appeared before the court. Rather than take further arguments on the application, the judge directed that the matter be forwarded to the Oyo State Chief Judge for reallocation.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Taiwo SAN expressed mixed feelings about the ruling. He acknowledged that while his submissions were not taken, the directive to reassign the matter to another judge was a welcome development.

‎“We are in court to ensure fairness and justice for the Ogbolu/Oluwole family, who have been unjustly sidelined in matters relating to the Aseyin stool. Though today’s ruling did not address our amendment application, we are pleased that the case will receive fresh attention under another judge,” he stated.

‎Also addressing reporters, Chief Taiwo Adekunle, the Jagun of Iseyinland, described the suit as a corrective measure aimed at restoring balance to the Aseyin royal succession. He stressed that the Ogbolu/Oluwole family, as one of the entitled lineages, should not be deprived of its hereditary rights.

Representatives of the Akando/Majaro/Olugbile families were not present in court, reportedly due to the ill health of their counsel.

The case is expected to be reassigned in the coming weeks by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, after which hearings will resume.