The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to challenge his suspension by the state government.
The monarch is seeking an interim injunction restraining Governor Dapo Abiodun and four other respondents from enforcing the suspension order issued on October 20, 2026, pending the determination of his substantive suit.
In the suit marked FHC/AB/FHR/148/26, Oba Akinyemi alleged that the state government suspended him without prior notice or an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.
Other respondents in the suit include the Ogun State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.
The monarch is also asking the court to restrain the respondents from forcing him to vacate the Eselu Palace, preventing him from performing his traditional duties or wearing his royal insignia.
He further urged the court to stop the police from harassing, arresting or detaining him in connection with the suspension.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Oba Akinyemi stated that he received a letter dated October 20 from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, notifying him of his immediate suspension and directing him to vacate the palace.
He argued that the government’s action violated his constitutional right to fair hearing, insisting that he was not given an opportunity to defend himself before the suspension was imposed.
When the matter came up on Wednesday, counsel to the monarch, Dele Fadesere, urged the court to grant the application, arguing that the injunction was necessary to protect his client’s fundamental rights.
However, Justice Agatha Okeke adjourned the matter until November 11, 2026, for ruling on the application.
Recall that the Ogun State Government announced Oba Akinyemi’s immediate suspension on October 20 over allegations of involvement in partisan political activities.
The government, in a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, said the suspension was approved by the State Executive Council under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.
It added that the decision was taken pending an investigation into complaints against the monarch, particularly allegations of his involvement in overtly partisan political activities.