The Onifiditi of Fiditi, Oba Sakirudeen OYELERE has appealed against the ruling of an Oyo State High Court that nullified his appointment as the Onifiditi of Fiditi.
It would be recalled that Justice K. B. Olawoyin had set aside the appointment while ruling over a suit, marked IHOY/59/2013, filed by two applicants, Prince Samuel Ogunkunle and Bayo Oyewale against the traditional ruler and seven others.
The other respondents in the suit at the lower court are Prince Ademola Akande, Prince Depo Oguntoyin, Prince Kunle Oniyitan, the Oyo State governor, Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Chief Adebola.
Justice Olawoyin granted an order of mandatory injunction setting aside the selection, appointment, and presentation of staff of office to Oba Sakirudeen as the Onifiditi by the Oyo State Governor on Oct. 18, 2021.
The judge also granted an order restraining the defendants and their agents from taking any further actions, steps or proceedings towards or in pursuance of filling of the vacant stool of Onifiditi of Fiditi pending the determination of this suit.
Justice Olawoyin also awarded a cost of N200,000 in favour of the applicants against the defendants and adjourned the suit to May 22.
However, In the notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal Ibadan Division by Onifiditi’s, Counsel, Mr Femi Alamu and obtained by newsmen, said the lower court erred by setting aside the selection and appointment of Oba Sakirudeen as Onifiditi of Fiditi.
The counsel said that the judge failed to consider that the governor has powers to upgrade and jettison the baaleship which had been in contention among the people of the town and create new kingship title which has now put an end to the problem in Fiditi town.
The counsel in the notice of appeal urged the court to set aside the ruling of the lower court which nullified the selection and appointment of Oba Sakirudeen as the Onifiditi of Fiditi.
The case is, however,yet to be assigned to any judge.