Ogun Court Declares Macgregor’s Installation as Olu of Ilawo Illegal

The Ogun State High Court has invalidated the installation of Alexander Macgregor as the Olu of Orile Ilawo, citing irregularities in the nomination and selection process. 

The court also ordered Macgregor to cease parading himself as the monarch pending the resolution of a lawsuit challenging his ascension to the throne.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi reprimanded the Ogun State Government for proceeding with the installation despite ongoing court cases. She described the act as a "flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary."

Justice Majekodunmi noted, “When a case is before the court, all parties involved are under a legal duty not to take actions that could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.”

The court granted a mandatory injunction restraining Macgregor from holding himself out as the Olu of Ilawo and ordered the withdrawal of all instruments of office, including the staff of authority, bestowed upon him by the state government.

Royal Family Challenges Process

The Ogunsanya-Ariku Royal Family of Ilawo had initiated the suit, alleging that the selection process violated Ilawo traditions. 

According to the family, warrant chiefs approved by the traditional council were bypassed in favor of other individuals to ensure Macgregor’s selection.

In their submission, they revealed that the throne became vacant following the death of the previous monarch on December 24, 2021. They argued that the irregularities in the nomination process prompted them to seek legal redress to prevent communal unrest.

Judiciary Upheld Justice

Speaking on the ruling, the Secretary of the Ogunsanya-Ariku dynasty, Dr. David Ogunsanya, commended the judiciary for its impartiality and commitment to justice.

“Today, we are elated to brief the distinguished members of the press that the installation of Mr. Olusegun Macgregor has been nullified and discarded by a competent court of law with an instruction that he should henceforth desist from parading himself as the Olu of Orile Ilawo,” Ogunsanya said.

He emphasized that the court's decision affirmed their belief in seeking lawful avenues for resolving disputes, adding, “The stakeholders of all the villages in Orile Ilawo, headed by the Ogunsanya-Ariku family, chose litigation as peace-loving people who reject violence and communal clashes.”

Ogunsanya warned against defying the court’s directive, stating, “Going forward, any action contrary to this court ruling would amount to contempt, which will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Members of the public who still patronize Mr. Olusegun Macgregor and his cohorts as Olu of Orile Ilawo do so at their own peril.”