The traditional ruler of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akinyemi, has approached the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta to challenge his suspension by the Ogun State Government, alleging that the executive decision was executed without granting him an opportunity to defend himself.
​The fundamental rights enforcement suit follows the monarch’s indefinite suspension, which was approved by the Ogun State Executive Council under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law. The sanction was formally communicated in an executive letter signed on October 20, 2026, by the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
​State officials indicated that the sanction was initiated following complaints regarding the traditional ruler’s alleged involvement in partisan political activities, which the government categorised as a violation of traditional customary laws and statutory regulations governing traditional rulers.
Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat stated that the action was taken to maintain peace, public order, and good governance across Iselu Kingdom while an official investigation panel reviews the allegations.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, re-emphasized the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the political neutrality of the traditional institution.
​Under the specific terms of the executive directive, Oba Akinyemi was ordered to vacate the royal palace immediately and refrain from entering the premises for the duration of the sanction.
The directive further mandated that the monarch desist from parading himself or claiming recognition as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, while strictly prohibiting him from wearing or displaying any traditional royal paraphernalia, including beaded crowns, royal beads, the staff of office, and horse tails.
Copies of the notification were served to the Secretary of Yewa North Local Government and the Ogun State Police Command to enforce immediate compliance.
​In the Motion on Notice filed at the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Oba Akinyemi is praying the court to set aside the suspension, describing the state government’s action as an unconstitutional breach of his fundamental right to a fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Legal counsel for the traditional ruler maintained that the state government meted out punitive measures and public humiliation without issuing a formal query, serving a show-cause notice, or providing a panel for the monarch to respond to the allegations prior to the sanction.
The suit joins the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as respondents.
​As of press time, the registry of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta has yet to assign a specific date for the hearing of the preliminary applications.
