Court of Appeal Declares Prince Ajibola Arowolo Authentic Baale of New Oko-Oba After Decade-Long Chieftaincy Dispute
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
A prolonged chieftaincy dispute spanning over a decade has been conclusively resolved following a landmark judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on March 12, 2025.
In Appeal No: CA/LAG/CV/1058/2022, between Chief Gafaru Arowolo & five others and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs & five others, the appellate court, in a unanimous decision, affirmed the Olarokun Chieftaincy Family and its candidate, Prince Ajibola Arowolo, as the authentic Baale of New Oko-Oba in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Fredrick O. Oho, JCA, held that Prince Arowolo is the rightful occupant of the traditional stool, thereby bringing an end to years of legal contestation that had created tension and uncertainty within the community.
The court’s pronouncement is widely expected to usher in renewed stability, unity, and administrative clarity in New Oko-Oba and its environs.
Community stakeholders and representatives of the Olarokun Family have welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant milestone toward strengthening traditional leadership institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence among residents.
Observers also note that the resolution of the chieftaincy tussle could enhance grassroots governance and accelerate community development initiatives, as the recognised Baale assumes full traditional authority following the appellate court’s ruling.
Furthermore, the judgment legally restrains Chief Omololu Pedro from parading himself as the Baale of New Oko-Oba.
