Calls for cessation of recognition of Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun and commencement of the process for appointing a new Zaki
ARIGIDI-AKOKO, ONDO STATE — 20 AUGUST 2026
The Prince Samuel Memudu Olanipekun Lineage of the Irara Ruling House, Arigidi-Akoko, has appealed to the Ondo State Government to take urgent administrative steps in accordance with the subsisting court judgments concerning the traditional stool of the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko.
The appeal is contained in a formal communication addressed to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, following the latest development in the longstanding legal dispute over the stool.
The dispute originated from Suit No. HIK/20/2008, instituted by Prince Tunde Olanipekun at the Ondo State High Court to challenge alleged irregularities in the appointment of a new Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko.
According to the family’s solicitors, despite an order of the court directing parties to maintain the status quo, Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun was subsequently purportedly appointed by the Kingmakers and presented to the Ondo State Executive Council, which approved the appointment during the twilight of the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
HIGH COURT NULLIFIED THE APPOINTMENT
On 26 July 2011, the Ondo State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, granted the motion challenging the appointment and nullified both the appointment and approval of Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun as the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko.
Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal.
On 19 June 2013, the Akure Judicial Division of the Court of Appeal upheld the nullification of the approval of his appointment as Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko.
The matter subsequently proceeded to the Supreme Court under Appeal No. SC/335/2013, Pa Salau Olanipekun & Anor. v. Prince Tunde Olanipekun.
EARLIER GOVERNMENT DERECOGNITION
Following the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions, the Attorney-General of Ondo State issued legal advice in August 2013 to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, derecognising Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun as Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko pending determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court.
The Commissioner subsequently directed the Caretaker Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government to stop recognising Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun as Zaki and to stop him from parading himself as such.
SUPREME COURT DISMISSES APPEAL
According to the family’s solicitors, the Supreme Court dismissed Appeal No. SC/335/2013 on 12 May 2026.
The solicitors contend that the dismissal leaves the earlier High Court judgment nullifying the appointment and approval of Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun as the subsisting and binding judgment on the State Government and its agents, particularly as the appeal had earlier been discontinued against the Ondo State Government and its representatives.
FAMILY CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION
Against this background, the Prince Samuel Memudu Olanipekun Lineage is calling on Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Government to urgently:
- Stop Alhaji Yisa Olanipekun from parading himself as the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko;
- Direct him to vacate the Zaki of Arigidi Palace;
- Take appropriate steps to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in Arigidi-Akoko; and
- Set in motion the process for the appointment and approval of a new Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko.
CALL FOR PEACE AND RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW
The lineage stressed that its appeal is aimed at ensuring clarity, due process and respect for judicial decisions, rather than aggravating tensions within the community.
It called on all parties and residents of Arigidi-Akoko to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities consider the legal and administrative implications of the judgments.
The family expressed confidence that decisive action by the Ondo State Government would help bring the longstanding controversy to a lawful and peaceful conclusion and pave the way for the proper constitution of the traditional institution.
ISSUED BY
FEMI EMMANUEL EMODAMORI
Solicitor to the Prince Samuel Memudu Olanipekun Lineage
Irara Ruling House, Arigidi-Akoko
For and on behalf of the Prince Samuel Memudu Olanipekun Lineage
Issued for Immediate Publication
Media Contact:
Through the Solicitor’s Office
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