Court Ends Okewaye Family Leadership Dispute as Adedimeji Retains Olori Ebi Recognition
Consent judgment stands as claimants withdraw suit; Prince Adedimeji calls for unity, transparent selection process in Ado-Odo
The Ogun State High Court sitting in Idi-Oke/Igbesa has struck out a suit concerning the leadership of the Okewaye Ruling House in Ado-Odo, Awori land, following a notice of discontinuance filed by the claimants, bringing another phase of the protracted family leadership dispute to a close.
The development, which reinforces the position of Prince (Chief) Sulaimon Babatunde Adedimeji as the recognised Olori Ebi of the Okewaye Ruling House under an earlier consent judgment, was disclosed by his counsel, Dr. Olumide Ayeni (SAN), after proceedings before Justice N.O. Durojaiye on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The case, with suit number HCI/19/2024, centred on the leadership of the ruling house and the recognition of its authentic family head.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Ayeni explained that the parties had reached an agreement recognising Adedimeji as the head of the Okewaye family, which was subsequently adopted by the court in a consent judgment delivered on May 5, 2026.
According to the senior lawyer, the claimants later instructed their legal representatives to discontinue the suit, leading to the filing of a notice of discontinuance at about 9:35 a.m. on May 6, 2026.
He maintained that the notice preceded a subsequent application by the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government authorities seeking a stay of execution of the consent judgment.
Ayeni recalled that the court had, during proceedings on October 12, adjourned the matter to examine the circumstances surrounding the competing applications, including a request by another party to be joined in the suit.
At the resumed hearing on October 20, he said, the court agreed with the position advanced by his legal team that the notice of discontinuance had been filed before the application for a stay of execution.
He further stated that the court considered the fact that the defendants had not filed a defence to the claim for approximately three years, adding that there was little justification for allowing another party to join proceedings that the original claimants had already discontinued.
Ayeni maintained that the court’s decision affirmed the continuing effect of the earlier consent judgment recognising Prince Adedimeji as the Olori Ebi of the Okewaye Ruling House.
The outcome is significant for the family and the wider Ado-Odo community, where questions surrounding family leadership and succession have underscored the importance of dialogue, due process and respect for judicial decisions in resolving traditional and communal disputes.
Adedimeji Appreciates Abiodun, Traditional Rulers, Community Stakeholders
Reacting to the conclusion of the litigation, Adedimeji expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the outcome, while appreciating his family members, legal representatives, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Ado-Odo for their support, prayers and encouragement 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 for their respective roles during the period of disagreement.
The family head also commended traditional rulers who contributed to efforts aimed at addressing the dispute, including the Olofin of Iseri-Mole, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade; the Olota of Ota, Oba AbdulKabir Obalanlege; and the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Luqmon Kuoye.
He extended his appreciation to the Ado-Odo Awori Elders Council, religious organisations, market men and women, youths and other community stakeholders whose interventions and support, he said, contributed to efforts to restore peace and understanding.
Fresh Call for Unity and Transparent Family Process
Beyond the legal outcome, Adedimeji called for reconciliation among members of the Okewaye Ruling House, stressing that the conclusion of the litigation should provide an opportunity to move beyond past disagreements and focus on the collective interest of the family and the development of Ado-Odo Kingdom.
He urged that any subsequent process concerning the ruling house should be fresh, transparent and fair, allowing all eligible family members to participate in accordance with established procedures and subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.
The call highlights the distinction between the judicial resolution of the leadership suit and any further process that may be required under applicable chieftaincy laws and customary procedures.
Adedimeji urged family members to draw lessons from the dispute, embrace dialogue and mutual respect, and avoid actions capable of reopening divisions within the ruling house.
As the legal battle draws to a close, attention is expected to shift towards reconciliation, family unity and the next steps in ensuring that matters concerning the Okewaye Ruling House are handled peacefully and in accordance with the law.
For Ado-Odo, the broader expectation is that the end of the court dispute will encourage cooperation among family members, traditional institutions and community stakeholders, creating room for sustained peace and development across the kingdom.
