Ogun Court Warns Somade Against Parading as Akufon of Idarika, Labels Government’s Action “Executive Recklessness”

August 14, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu has issued a stern warning to Olugbenga Somade, ordering him to immediately stop parading himself as the Akufon of Idarika, Iperu Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Justice S. Oloyede handed down the warning on Wednesday during proceedings in a contempt of court case filed against Somade. The contempt suit arose from his continued claim to the chieftaincy title despite a subsisting court judgment nullifying his appointment and coronation.

According to the certified true copy of the judgment delivered in March 2025, Justice Oloyede had earlier set aside Somade’s appointment, ruling that both the installation and coronation were carried out in violation of due process and in defiance of pending court orders.

The court described the Ogun State Government’s decision to install Somade on July 24, 2024, while an application for an interlocutory injunction was still pending before the court, as an act of “executive recklessness.”

Justice Oloyede noted that the government, being aware of the legal proceedings and the injunction application, acted improperly by going ahead with the chieftaincy ceremony. The judge stressed that such disregard for judicial processes undermines the rule of law and could trigger sanctions against those involved.

With Wednesday’s warning, Somade risks facing further legal consequences should he continue to present himself as the Akufon of Idarika in defiance of the court’s judgment.

The Akufon chieftaincy stool in Idarika, Iperu Remo, has been at the center of a protracted dispute, with factions in the community contesting the legitimacy of Somade’s selection and installation. The court’s March ruling effectively nullified his reign, returning the matter to a state of legal and traditional uncertainty.