03/07/2025
*RE: OWA'S CHIEFTAINCY MATTER AT HIGH COURT*
*TODAY'S PROCEEDINGS*
The two cases were adjourned till today.
*Case One*
This is the one instituted by the contestants from Ofokutu Royal Family on behalf of Ofokutu Royal Family against 22 Defendants. The case was presided over by Hon. Justice M.O Agboola. The matter is for report of pleadings. All the Counsel involved were present including the State, represented by Ogunleye. While Dada Esq represented 3 kingmakers; Elegboro, Ogboni lpole and Alademure and Sarumi Esq represented the Haastrups. Lead Counsel of Ofokutu informed the court that none of the Defendants has filed its Defence. Counsel to Elegboro and Co filed notice of preliminary objections and served same today. All other counsel apologized for the delay and promised to file before the next adjournment. His Lordship enjoined all the parties to file their defence, he said that he would not wait for any counsel in the next date. Case was finally adjourned to 14/10/2025
*Case Two*
This is another case that was instituted by Prince Isaac Ademiju Haastrup against Ofokutu Royal Family. This is the case they used against the injunction legally secured by the Ofokutu. You will recall that Hon. Justice Aderibigbe granted the Ofokutu an injunction and the following day, Haastrup Family immediately filed this case. And His Lordship, Hon Justice Aderibigbe set aside the earlier injunction and granted all the prayers in the application filed by the Haastrup. Immediately the application was served on the Ofokutus in January 2025, their legal team reacted to the originating motion vociferously. Since the Ofokutus served their defence to their Lawyer, they found it difficult to react to same on point of law as provided under the Rules. Therefore, when the matter came up today, they have no option than to withdraw their purported action. These are the people that have been boasting before today that they would use their case to defeat the one instituted by the Ofokutus.