An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo on Thursday declared vacant the stool of Olaaresa of Masifa, recently filled by the state government.
The government had last week announced the appointment of Prince Josiah Adeleke as the new Olaaresa of Masifa.
But ruling on a matter instituted by Pa David Tomori and two others on behalf of Lateru Ruling House against Pa Salawu Oyetunji and six others, Justice Jide Falola posited that anyone laying claim to the stool should be investigated.
He also warned whoever may be misleading the government on the issue to take caution.
The ruling further read in parts,
“It is obvious the Osun State Government has been misled into taking an illegal action. It might not have been deliberate, because it is unusual.
“The Government ordinarily upholds the law, and there is need to warn whoever might have misled the Government to take caution.
“Only a few weeks ago, the Court of Appeal, Akure berated Government adviser for misleading it into taking another illegal action, with respect to Alawo of Awo Chieftaincy stool.
“I declare that, based on the processes found in the case file, and submission of Counsel, the Office of Ola-Aresa of Masifa-Ile, the traditional ruler of Masifa-Ile is still vacant till date. Whosoever is claiming to occupying that Office should be investigated and if found guilty, be casted away.”
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