The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State has sued Governor Dapo Abiodun. Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi is challenging the suspension. The suit was filed before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta. The suspension letter was dated 20 October 2026. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, signed it. The letter said the State Executive Council approved the suspension under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021. It cited alleged involvement in partisan politics.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria are prohibited from partisan politics. The Ogun State law allows the governor to suspend a monarch pending investigation. The power has been used before. In 2023, Ogun suspended a monarch over a land dispute. In 2024, another was cautioned for political comments. The current case is significant because the monarch is challenging the process in court. It tests the balance between the governor’s authority and the monarch’s right to a fair hearing.
Akinyemi alleges he was suspended without prior notice or an opportunity to defend himself. The suit is marked FHC/AB/FHR/148/26. He is seeking an order restraining the respondents from compelling him to vacate the palace. He wants the court to stop them from preventing him from performing traditional functions. He also wants protection from being stopped from wearing his crown, ileke, beaded staff and irukere. The other respondents are the Attorney-General, the Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State. The monarch wants the police restrained from harassing or arresting him.
Justice A.A. Okeke fixed 11 November 2026 for ruling on the application. The monarch’s counsel, Dele Fadesere, urged the court to protect his fundamental rights until the substantive suit is determined.
Winners: The monarch, who gains a hearing. His lawyers, who gain a case. The court, which asserts jurisdiction. Traditional rulers, who gain a precedent. Losers: Governor Abiodun, whose suspension is challenged. The state government, which faces legal scrutiny. The police, which is named as a respondent. The community, which faces uncertainty. The traditional institution, which faces another dispute.
Bottom Line: A monarch was suspended. He went to court. The governor must defend the process. The court will rule. The case tests the limits of executive power over traditional institutions. The ruling is due in November.