Ekiti Court Orders Reinstatement Of Deposed Ilasa Chief 

By Joseph Sunday 

An Ado-Ekiti High Court has ordered the reinstatement in favour of Chief Lawrence Oluwadare Folayan, the Eesunla of Igbale Quarters, Ilasa-Ekiti, ordering the restoration of his stool and illegally withdrawn entitlements after his removal by Oba Oluwasesan Omolagba Ajayi, the Alasa of Ilasa Ekiti.

Chief Folayan, installed in 1983, was unilaterally deposed in 2015 by the Oba, with all his allowances withdrawn. He challenged the decision, arguing that the King’s actions were unlawful and violated due process.

Justice Blessing Ajileye declared the King’s actions illegal and unjustified, and describe same a flagrant violation of Section 17 of Ekiti State Chiefs Law,  2012.

Reacting, Chief Folayan thanked the court and alleged that the King’s ascension was not traditional and had previously been challenged with an injunction.

A community member who was at the court said the Chief was wrongly removed out of personal grievance and insisted he remains the rightful titleholder.

The Chief’s lawyer, Barrister Femi Olarewaju, described the ruling as a win for the rule of law and justice served against abuse of power.