The Osun State High Court in Iragbiji has delivered a significant ruling, nullifying the state government's recognition of the Lagbua family as the fifth ruling house entitled to the Aragbiji of Iragbiji stool. This decision, made by Justice G.O. Lawal, comes in response to a lawsuit filed by several plaintiffs representing other ruling houses in the community.

The case, identified as Suit No. HIR/3/25, was brought forth by Chief Salawu Kayode Fatai, Chief Wale Olateju Oyedokun, Prince Kola Yekeen Afolabi, and Prince Adeyinka Niyi Adebisi. These plaintiffs, representing the Ajibode, Ogunmolu, Osungbemi, and Arodoye ruling houses, challenged the state government’s authority to revisit a matter that had been settled over a decade ago without proper legal procedures.

The dispute arose after the Osun State Executive Council, in a meeting held on January 29, 2025, approved the Lagbua family as the fifth ruling house, a decision that the plaintiffs argued was made without affording them a chance to present their case. They contended that the government could not lawfully authorize a new White Paper that contradicted its earlier rejection of the Aderibigbe Judicial Panel’s recommendations from 2013. The plaintiffs emphasized that any reconsideration of such a significant matter should adhere to the principles of fair hearing.

In its judgment, the court agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the government’s attempt to reverse its previous decision without due process was not lawful. Justice Lawal highlighted that the earlier rejection of the Aderibigbe Panel's recommendations and the subsequent attempt to recognize the Lagbua family were two distinct governmental actions, each subject to legal scrutiny and requirements for procedural fairness.

As a result of the ruling, the court has annulled the White Paper and Gazette that formally recognized the Lagbua family, effectively reinstating the previous status quo regarding the ruling houses eligible to participate in the selection of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute over the chieftaincy, which has seen various legal challenges and community tensions over the years.

The judgment reflects the court's commitment to uphold legal standards and ensure that all parties involved in such important matters are given a fair opportunity to be heard, reinforcing the principles of justice in the governance of traditional institutions in Osun State.