The Ogun State High Court sitting in Idi-Oke/Igbesa has struck out a suit over the leadership dispute in the Okewaye Ruling House of Ado-Odo, Awori land, following the claimants’ decision to discontinue the case.
The development was disclosed by Dr. Olumide Ayeni (SAN), counsel to Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji, after proceedings presided over by Justice N.O. Durojaiye on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in suit number HCI/19/2024.
Ayeni said the parties had earlier reached an agreement recognising Adedimeji as the authentic head of the Okewaye family, a position adopted by the court in a consent judgment delivered on May 5, 2026.
According to the senior lawyer, the claimants subsequently directed their legal team to discontinue the suit, leading to the filing of a notice of discontinuance at about 9:35 a.m. on May 6, 2026, before the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government authorities filed an application seeking a stay of execution of the consent judgment.
Ayeni explained that the court had, on October 12, adjourned the matter to examine the circumstances surrounding competing applications, including a request by another party to join the proceedings.
He said the court, after considering the facts on Tuesday, upheld his team’s position that the notice of discontinuance preceded the application for a stay of execution.
The lawyer added that the court also took into account the fact that the defendants had not filed a defence to the claim for about three years, noting that there was little justification for allowing another party to join proceedings that the claimants had already discontinued.
Ayeni maintained that the latest court pronouncement reinforced the effect of the earlier consent judgment, which recognised Prince Adedimeji as the Olori Ebi of the Okewaye Ruling House.
In a message following the conclusion of the litigation, Adedimeji expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, members of his family, his legal team, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Ado-Odo for their support and prayers throughout the dispute.
He particularly acknowledged Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olusina Ogungbade (SAN); and officials of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government.
The family head also commended traditional rulers, including the Olofin of Iseri-Mole, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade; the Olota of Ota, Oba AbdulKabir Obalanlege; and the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Luqmon Kuoye, for their roles during the dispute.
He extended his appreciation to the Ado-Odo Awori Elders Council, religious organisations, market men and women, youths and other stakeholders for their contributions towards restoring peace within the community.
Adedimeji, however, called for a fresh, transparent and fair process that would give all eligible members of the Okewaye Ruling House an opportunity to participate, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
He urged family members to draw lessons from the disagreements, embrace unity and work collectively for the development of Ado-Odo Kingdom.
