Ajah Leadership Tussle: Court adjourns hearing until March 25

Meanwhile, the court imposed a cost of N500,000 on the defendants (Olumegbon family) over delays in the suit.

News Agency of Nigeria • January 15, 2025

LAGOS HIGH COURT [Credit: Peoples Gazette]

The Lagos High Court, Eti-Osa Division, on Tuesday, adjourned until March 25 for a hearing in a leadership tussle suit over the Ajah community.

The claimants in the suit are Adisa Ojupon, Rasaki Ogunsemo, Kabiru Ogunsemo, and Shamsideen Ojupon.

They had sued for themselves and on behalf of the Ogunsemo and Ojupon ruling house of Ajah.

The defendants in the suit are the attorney general of Lagos, the commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, and the Chieftaincy Committee Eti-Osa LGA.

Adeshina Machado, secretary of the Olumegbon family, also joined as a defendant.

The claimants had brought the suit, seeking a court’s determination of who is entitled to be the Oba of Ajah.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Justice Olubukola Aigbokhaevbo adjourned the case to enable parties to seek out issues of legal representation.

Meanwhile, the court imposed a cost of N500,000 on the defendants (Olumegbon family) over delays in the suit.

Defence counsel Alaba Okukpe informed the court that he had been representing the Olumegbon family for several years.

He argued that the family owed him fees for his legal representation.

“I have been representing them for over 35 years, and the issue of fees has been the bone of contention,” he said.

He argued that he had informed the defendants of his inability to continue the case but urged that any counsel undertaking their representation should abide by the rules of professional ethics.

Meanwhile, the incoming counsel to the Olumegbon family informed the court that he would go back to resolve the issue of representation before the next adjourned date.

Following an application by the claimants’ counsel, Richard Ahonaruogho, who expressed displeasure over delays in the suit, the court ordered the defendants to pay a cost of N500,000.

She held that the cost is to be paid before the next adjourned date.

The court also encouraged counsel and family members in the suit to hold meetings and make progress on the case.

The case was consequently adjourned until March 25.

(NAN)

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