The attention of the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to several news stories on social media and some newspapers to the effect that a high court sitting in Ado Ekiti granted an order of injuction retraining the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi from continuing with the processes for the recognition of Owatedo-Ekiti and the Oloja Owa. We wish to state emphatically that these stories are absolutely false, misleading and mischevious.
The originators and sponsors are fanning the embers of confusion, chaos and crisis in Ipoti-Ekiti and Iwatedo-Ekiti.
The matter of High Chief Adebayo Ewe and the Governor of Ekiti State came up for hearing before Honourable Justice L.O Ogundana on Friday 6th March 2020.
All parties had several applications before the court including a preliminary objection by the state government.
It was discovered that one of the parties was not properly before the court. The presiding judge graciously gave time for the said party to file relevant procecess to enable him come properly before the court. He subsequently adjourned the matter for the definite hearing of all applications.
None of the applications were heard at the close of proceeding. The Honourable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda had in the course of proceedings sssured the court that the state government holds the judiciary in high esteem and would not do anything to disrespect the Court.
For emphasise no order was given by the court.
For the avoidance of doubt, the position of the Government of Ekiti State is that Owatedo-Ekiti is already an autonomous town with a recognised Chief, the Oloja Owa, H.R.M Oba David Olofinlade as the traditional ruler.
The public presentation of the instrument of appointment and staff of office is a ceremony at the discretion and pleasure of Government.
The ceremony has no effect on the validity or legality of the approval of the appointment of an Oba by the State Government.
Tunde Olaolorun
Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney- General & Commissioner for Justice on Public Education, Media and Communication.