The High Court of Justice, Iragbiji Judicial Division, Osun State, has upheld the 2013 decision of the Osun State Government on the recognised ruling houses of Iragbiji and nullified the 2025 recognition of the Lagbua Family as the fifth ruling house.
The judgment, delivered on August 21, 2026, by Justice G.O. Lawal in Suit No. HIR/3/2025, followed a case instituted by representatives of the four recognised ruling houses of Iragbiji — Ajibode, Ogunmolu, Osungbemi and Arodoye.
The case centred on the Osun State Government’s 2025 decision to reopen and approve the recommendation of the 2010 Aderibigbe Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which had recommended the inclusion of the Lagbua Family as a fifth ruling house.
In its judgment, the court found that the state government had already considered and rejected the request of the Lagbua Family in 2013.
The court noted that the government had formally communicated its 2013 decision and published it in the Osun State Gazette, thereby bringing the earlier panel process to an end.
Justice Lawal consequently held that the government could not reopen the matter and approve the same earlier report in 2025 without following the appropriate legal process.
The court also found that the four recognised ruling houses were not given notice or an opportunity to be heard before the 2025 decision was taken, describing the action as a breach of their rights to fair hearing.
Consequently, the court set aside the January 29, 2025 decision of the Osun State Executive Council recognising the Lagbua Family as the fifth ruling house.
The court also set aside the 2025 White Paper and the consequential amendment to the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Chieftaincy Declaration.
Reacting to the judgment, the four recognised ruling houses commended the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Abdul Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, for leading the legal battle, which they said would help preserve their historical rights and those of future generations.
The people of Iragbiji also commended the monarch for his leadership, wisdom and commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the ancient town.
They described Oba Olabomi’s leadership as an example of responsible traditional leadership in preserving the history, heritage and unity of Iragbiji.
The judgment, according to the statement, is significant to the people of Iragbiji and underscores the importance of due process, legality and fair hearing in government decisions.
The judgment remains subject to any further legal steps that may be available to the parties under the law.