The Court of Appeal has upheld the removal of the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye, triggering mixed reactions and tension in the Ekiti State community.

The appellate court, in a judgment delivered virtually on Monday, August 31, 2026, affirmed the earlier ruling of the Ekiti State High Court which nullified the monarch’s continued occupation of the traditional stool.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Falade Olasunkanmi, confirmed that the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court judgment in its entirety, with the Certified True Copy of the ruling expected to be released on Thursday.

“The court affirmed the High Court judgment in its entirety. That is just it — deposing him,” Falade said.He said the judgment had been received with jubilation by some residents of Iloro-Ekiti.“

The people are happy. That is the will of the people. That is what they want,” he added.Court Faults Failure to Perform Traditional RitesFalade explained that the Court of Appeal did not question the process through which Oba Olugbesoye was selected and appointed.

According to him, the major issue before the court was the monarch’s alleged failure to complete the traditional rites required under the native laws and customs of Iloro-Ekiti.

He said the court held that although the monarch was properly appointed, the performance of the prescribed traditional rites remained a compulsory condition for becoming the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti.

“The Court of Appeal is not arguing that his appointment was not properly done. He was well appointed, but he did not perform traditional rites in line with the native laws and customs of Iloro-Ekiti, and that is the prerequisite for him to become a king,” Falade said.

Oluloro Heads to Supreme CourtHowever, counsel to Oba Olugbesoye, Ezekiel Agunbiade, has faulted the Appeal Court judgment, insisting that the legal team was still awaiting the Certified True Copy of the ruling.

Agunbiade said the court reportedly acknowledged that the monarch was properly selected and appointed but ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that he underwent all the required rites and ceremonies.

He disagreed with the court’s position on the evidence presented, particularly the issue of photographic documentation.“The Kabiyesi tendered about 32 photographic evidences,” Agunbiade said.

The monarch’s legal team has since approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court verdict.Agunbiade disclosed that a notice of appeal was filed on the same day the judgment was delivered, while an application for a stay of execution was subsequently submitted.

“We filed a notice of appeal on the same day, and we filed a stay of execution on the morning of the second day after the Appeal Court judgment was delivered,” he said.

‘I Am Shocked’ — Oba Olugbesoye

Reacting to the development, Oba Olugbesoye expressed shock over the judgment and questioned the legal standing of those who instituted the case against him.

According to the monarch, the plaintiffs were neither kingmakers nor candidates for the traditional stool and therefore lacked the locus standi to challenge his emergence.

“I am surprised, just as my lawyers and everybody, and even those in government circles, are surprised,” he said.

Oba Olugbesoye maintained that he fulfilled all the necessary traditional requirements and that his installation and coronation were properly documented.

He said several prominent personalities, including traditional rulers and government officials, attended his coronation in Iloro-Ekiti.

The monarch recalled that the then Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, the late Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, presented him with the staff of office, while several traditional rulers were also present at the event.

He further stated that the present Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who was Secretary to the State Government at the time, attended the coronation.

Monarch Defends Traditional RitesOn the controversy surrounding the performance of traditional rites at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Olugbesoye said the customs and traditions of Iloro and Ijero communities were historically connected.

He explained that the emergence and installation of an Oluloro traditionally involve cultural activities linked to both communities.

“There is no way we can do without the traditions of both Ijero and Iloro-Ekiti.

Both towns and communities are intertwined,” the monarch said.He added that historical records showed that previous Oluloro monarchs performed parts of their traditional rites in Ijero-Ekiti, while the Ajero also plays a role in certain rites conducted in Iloro-Ekiti.

The legal battle over the Oluloro stool is now expected to move to the Supreme Court following Oba Olugbesoye’s appeal and application for a stay of execution.

The development has continued to generate reactions in Iloro-Ekiti as residents await the next stage of the prolonged traditional and legal dispute.