An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has upheld the appointment of Princess Adenike Ogundahunsi as the Regent of Araromi Obo-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The court, presided over by Justice Olalekan Olatawura, dismissed a suit challenging her appointment, which was filed by Princess T.O. Ajayi Olowokere, Chief Lawrence Alabi of Owa-Olobo in Council, and Pa Francis Adedara of the Owa-Olobo Chieftaincy Ruling House.

The plaintiffs had sought a court order to restrain Mrs. Ogundahunsi from parading herself as regent, claiming she was not the rightful person for the throne. The defendants in the case included the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, the Attorney General, the Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, and other local government officials.

In his judgment, Justice Olatawura ruled that the court could not grant the order of perpetual injunction against Mrs. Ogundahunsi, stressing that governance abhors a vacuum. He noted that the regent should continue to perform her duties pending the final resolution of the kingship dispute or until the state government decides otherwise.

Quoting Section 4(2) of the Ekiti State Regency Law (2015), the judge affirmed that the tenure of a regent may be extended by the Governor. He further stated that since the government had not opposed Ogundahunsi’s position, her continued role as regent remained valid.

“In all, this action fails and is accordingly dismissed. Parties shall bear their respective costs,” Justice Olatawura concluded.