By Idris Olusegun

The High Court of Lagos State, sitting in Epe Judicial Division, has declared Oba Musiliudeen Awoga as the rightful Orijeru of Igbooye community, Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe Division, Lagos State.

The ruling, delivered on July 1st, 2025, by Hon. Justice Sharafa Abioye Olaitan in Suit No. EPD/12330GCMW/2024, affirmed Oba Awoga’s entitlement to the traditional stool following a legal tussle that had divided the historic community.

The Orijeru chieftaincy stool of Igbooye has been at the center of contention between two major ruling houses over the past few years. 

While Musiliudeen Awoga claims hereditary rights and adherence to traditional selection procedures, another faction in the community supports Mr Rasaki Akanni Musa, citing community consensus and historical precedence.

The tussle escalated into a legal battle, with both parties laying claim to the throne. 

The matter was brought before the Lagos High Court to determine the authentic holder of the traditional title.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the judgment granted the following reliefs:

A declaration that Oba Musiliudeen Awoga is the duly recognized Orijeru of Igbooye, having fulfilled all customary and legal requirements.

A mandatory injunction restraining Mr. Rasaki Akanni Musa and his associates from parading himself or any other person as the Orijeru of Igbooye.

An order directing relevant state authorities (3rd to 6th defendants) to formally recognize and install Awoga as the traditional ruler.

The judgment also noted that the ascension process followed by Awoga was in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Igbooye community.

In his post-judgment remarks while addressing newsmen, Oba Musiliudeen Awoga expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his national economic reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda, and to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for fostering peace and development at the grassroots level.

He appealed to the Lagos State Government to expedite his formal recognition and presentation of the staff of office, in accordance with the court ruling.

“I have fulfilled all the necessary requirements, and now the court has declared me the original and rightful Orijeru of Igbooye,” Awoga said. “It is time for peace, unity, and progress in our community.” he said.

The Lagos High Court ruling may have provided temporary legal clarity on the rightful heir to the Igbooye throne, but it is evident that reconciliation within the community remains critical. 

As the legal and traditional institutions align, all eyes are now on the Lagos State Government to act on the court’s directive while ensuring peace and inclusivity in the process.