The Court of Appeal has upheld the removal of the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye, from the throne.

The judgment, delivered virtually on Monday, August 31, 2026, affirmed the earlier decision of the Ekiti State High Court, which ordered the monarch’s removal.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Falade Olasunkanmi, said the court held that although Oba Olugbesoye was properly selected and appointed, he failed to perform the traditional rites required by the native laws and customs of Iloro-Ekiti.

Falade said the judgment was received with jubilation by residents who supported the case.

However, counsel to the monarch, Ezekiel Agunbiade, rejected the judgment, insisting that the monarch tendered evidence, including about 32 photographs, to prove that the required rites and coronation were conducted.

Agunbiade confirmed that the monarch had appealed the decision at the Supreme Court and also filed an application for a stay of execution.

Reacting to the judgment, Oba Olugbesoye said he was shocked by the decision and maintained that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge his installation.

He also insisted that he fulfilled the traditional requirements for his coronation and vowed to continue challenging the judgment through the legal process.