Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The hearing of the dethronement of Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun by Governor Ademola Adeleke was stalled at a State High Court, Osun State over the absence of the defendants’ counsel.

Oba Famodun was appointed under the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola but was sacked by Adeleke who used warrant chiefs to appoint Oba Ademola Makinde.

Subsequently, the traditional chiefs and kingmakers of Igbajo town kicked against the appointment of Oba Makinde, dragging Adeleke and others to court.

At the court on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice Micheal Awe frowned that the five defendants in the case including Oba Ademola Makinde, the Osun State government, Boluwaduro LG and warrant chiefs have not been coming to court.

Plaintiff counsel, Dr. Saka Layoonu criticized the defence’s absence as a disregard for the court and an attempt to delay proceedings as this has been their style since the case started in 2023.

Justice Awe warned that if the defendants fail to appear on November 1, 2024, the hearing will proceed without them.