The Kuole-Oloje Ruling House of Oke-Igbo in Ondo State has petitioned Governor Lucky Orimisan, seeking an executive review of the recent appointment of Barrister Akintoye Felix Adeoye as the new Olu-Oke of Oke-Igbo Kingdom.
In a formal petition signed by their legal representative, Tope Temokun Esq., the ruling house alleged that the appointment violated the existing Chieftaincy Declaration guiding ascension to the stool.
The petition, addressed to the Governor’s Office in Akure, also called for the preservation of peace and order in the community, citing rising tensions over the development.
According to the petitioners, the appointment of Barrister Adeoye took place despite the existence of a subsisting Court of Appeal case involving parties from the same ruling house as the new appointee.
They argued that the approval was granted while Appeal No. CA/AK/97/2023 was still pending, a matter reportedly challenging the validity of a previous occupant of the throne.
The petitioners claim that the state government’s decision amounted to an action taken ultra vires, describing it as outside the legal powers of the appointing authority under the circumstances.
They listed five ruling houses recognised under the current declaration: Odo-Eleyewo, Are Kugbaigbe, Kuole-Oloje, Aderin Ologbenla, and Ajibike Adedimeji.
The petition stressed that the rotational system places the Kuole-Oloje Ruling House next in line for the throne following the reign of the late Chief Babajide Lawrence from the Are Kugbaigbe family.
The ruling house stated that by this arrangement, their candidate, Prince (Dr.) Adewole Akinpelu Abegunde, is the rightful successor to the stool.
They accused unnamed interests of misinforming the state government, which they claimed led to the controversial presentation of staff of office.
According to them, the traditional kingmakers were sidelined, contrary to established procedures recognised under customary and statutory law.
The petition further stated that the pendency of the court case should have halted any administrative or ceremonial action concerning the throne.
“Any action taken while litigation is active constitutes a violation of due process,” the document noted.
The petitioners warned that ignoring the rotational ladder could destabilise the community and provoke unrest among stakeholders.
They argued that the continuation of the Are Kugbaigbe line without due rotation undermines peace, equity, and long-standing tradition.
The Kuole-Oloje House maintained that the chieftaincy ladder system is a statutory safeguard against abuse of succession rights.
They are therefore demanding immediate nullification of the appointment and recall of the staff of office presented to Barrister Adeoye.
The petition also requests the state government to mandate full compliance with the Chiefs Law of Ondo State and the relevant Chieftaincy Declaration.
It urged the Governor to exercise his executive discretion to restore confidence in the traditional governance structure.
According to the petitioners, restoring the throne to the Kuole-Oloje House remains the only lawful option capable of preventing further crisis.
They appealed to the government to intervene impartially and address what they described as “systemic misinformation” surrounding the matter.
The letter expressed confidence that Governor Lucky Orimisan would prioritise justice, transparency, and peace in the handling of the matter.
However, they issued a pre-action notice indicating their readiness to file a lawsuit should their appeal not receive a favourable response within one month.
The ruling house insisted that court action would be a last resort if dialogue fails.
They added that litigation would be pursued to defend their rights and the integrity of the rotational succession system.
The petition concluded with a call for calm in the community while awaiting official response from the state government.
