An Ondo State High Court in Owo has dethroned the Olute of Ute, Oba Michael Adetunji Oluwole, ruling that the selection process that brought him to the throne was invalid.
The court ordered a fresh selection process to fill the stool from the Olule Omoloja ruling house.
Justice Ademola Enikuomehin, delivering the judgment, declared that Oba Oluwole should cease to act as the traditional ruler, stating he was not eligible as he was a member of the kingmakers and not from the ruling house designated to fill the throne.
The court awarded damages against the dethroned monarch in favor of the claimants and instructed that a new selection process be conducted. This judgment marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began in 1995 and involved multiple appeals up to the Supreme Court before being remanded for a fresh hearing.
Counsel to the claimant, Mr. Adewumi Fabuluje, hailed the decision as a victory for the Olule Omoloja ruling house. On the other hand, Counsel to the state, F.K Salami, indicated that the judgment would be reviewed for possible further action.
Prince Olayiwola Omoloja expressed relief, noting the judgment as a resolution to their long-standing struggle to reclaim their rightful entitlement.
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