Igasi Kingship Crisis: Court Order Flouted as Oloje of Igasi Rejects Contempt Notice

Igasi Kingship Crisis: Court Order Flouted as Oloje of Igasi Rejects Contempt Notice

Igasi, Ondo State — The kingship crisis surrounding the Oloje of Igasi stool has deepened after

Matthew Adeniji Adeleye, who was controversially installed as Oloje of Igasi, allegedly rejected a

court-issued contempt notice served on him over the kingship dispute.

The ongoing legal tussle took a fresh twist after a court had previously issued a restraining order,

barring all parties from making any decision or conducting any installation for the Oloje of Igasi until

final judgment was delivered. In defiance of this directive, a faction went ahead to install Mr. Adeleye

as Oloje of Igasi.

Following the illegal installation, the presiding judge directed contempt of court proceedings to be

filed against those involved in the breach. Community sources confirmed that while some chiefs

accepted the contempt letters, Mr. Adeleye refused to accept service of the court document.

Legal experts say this amounts to a clear violation of judicial authority, and refusing a court process

may invite further legal consequences, including nullification of the installation, fines, or possible

imprisonment.

In its recent ruling, the court upheld that the stool of Oloje of Igasi remains vacant and ruled in favor

of the opposing party with rightful claim to the throne, pending lawful installation procedures.

While a few individuals are reportedly supporting Mr. Adeleye, majority of the community has

expressed concern about the apparent disrespect to court orders and fear the ongoing defiance

could lead to instability in Igasi.

Igasi Kingship Crisis: Court Order Flouted as Oloje of Igasi Rejects Contempt Notice

The next court sittings on the Oloje of Igasi dispute are expected to further clarify legal ownership of

the throne and deliver consequences for those found guilty of contempt of court.