By Ayomide Otitoju
Members of the Sanusi Olawunmi Family in Abule Ado, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos, have raised alarm over the alleged imposition of Suleiman Surajudeen Aro as the Oba of Abule Ado, despite an active court order prohibiting such action.
In a suit filed at the Ikeja Judicial Division of the Lagos State High Court (Suit No. ID/2044GCMW/2024), the claimants, including Alhaji Rafiu Owolabi Tesilimi and Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Tesilimi, sought a declaration that the Sanusi Olawunmi Family should be recognized as a ruling house alongside the Ado Family, with the right to produce the Oba of Ado/Odan Village in accordance with the traditions of Abule Ado.
The claimants also filed for an injunction to prevent the defendants, including members of the Ado Family, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, from presenting or approving any candidate as the next Oba of Abule Ado.
The court, presided over by Justice M.O. Dawodu, had earlier issued an order on January 15, 2025, directing that the status quo be maintained pending further proceedings. The matter was adjourned to March 11, 2025, for a hearing on the motion for an interlocutory injunction. However, despite the legal action, reports have surfaced claiming that Suleiman Surajudeen Aro was installed as Oba by the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kayode Bolaji-Roberts, and the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Hon. Valentine Buraimoh, without the knowledge of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The claimants argue that the installation violates the court’s directive that there is no recognized Oba in Abule Ado until the suit is resolved. Legal representatives for both parties agreed to maintain the status quo until a ruling is issued, with the court scheduling a further hearing on May 19, 2025.
Defendants in the case include the Lagos State Attorney General, Hon. Lawal Pedro, and other key government figures. The claimants are seeking a final injunction to prevent the recognition or approval of any candidate for the Oba position until the court delivers its judgment.
