The apex socio-cultural body of the Igbomina people, Omo Ibile Igbomina, has called on the Kwara State Government to immediately implement the Supreme Court judgment of March 2019, which conclusively affirmed the exclusive right of the Oluganna lineage to the royal stool of Ganmo in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

‎At a press briefing held on Tuesday in Ganmo, the body stated that there remains no legal, moral, or administrative justification for the continued delay in enforcing the judgment, particularly as it concerns the rightful ascension of Alhaji Abdulyeqeen Oluwakayode Kolawole to the throne.

‎Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the National President, Sir Bisi Fakayode, emphasised that the prolonged withholding of the Oluganna’s Letter of Appointment and Staff of Office represents a troubling disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law.

He added: “The judgments of both the Court of Appeal, Ilorin, and the Supreme Court, consistent with the findings of the 1978 Arbitration Report, are clear, unambiguous, and binding.

“The Oluganna lineage remains the sole legitimate custodian of the Ganmo stool, to the exclusion of any other claimant.”

‎Sir Fakayode, however, decried circulating reports alleging the involvement of the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami (rtd), in frustrating the implementation of the judgment, dismissing such claims as puerile, unfounded and inconsistent with the jurist’s long-standing record of integrity.

‎“While Igbominas have heard these allegations, we do not believe them. It is inconceivable that a jurist of such repute, under whose leadership the Court of Appeal affirmed this same position, would act in contradiction to the rule of law,” he said.

‎He, however, urged the retired Justice to publicly and unequivocally distance himself from the allegations, noting that silence in such a sensitive matter could be misinterpreted.

‎“His Lordship’s voice at this time is crucial. A clear statement will dispel any doubts and preserve the sanctity of his hard-earned reputation,” Sir Fakayode submitted.

‎The organisation also cautioned the Sunmonu Okunoye family of Idiape, Ilorin, against further attempts to drag the name of the respected jurist into the dispute or undermine his credibility within Igbomina land and beyond.

‎Reiterating its position, Omo Ibile Igbomina stressed that the government bears the constitutional responsibility to protect legally established rights and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.

‎“Government must rise above undue influence and political interference. Failure to act decisively in this matter amounts to injustice, oppression, and a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in our institutions,” Fakayode warned.

‎The body therefore demanded the immediate release of Oluganna’s Letter of Appointment; prompt presentation of the 3rd Class Staff of Office, and full enforcement of all subsisting court judgments without further delay.

‎Omo Ibile Igbomina reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the preservation of lawful traditional institutions across Igbomina land, while urging all stakeholders to respect and uphold the rule of law.