Africa
A Lagos High Court in Ajah, Eti-Osa, on Tuesday, adjourned until March 25, for hearing in a leadership tussle suit, over the Ajah community.
The claimants in the suit are: Pa Adisa Ojupon, Mr Rasaki Ogunsemo, Mr Kabiru Ogunsemo, and Mr Shamsideen Ojupon.
They had sued for themselves and on behalf of the Ogunsemo and Ojupon ruling house of Ajah
Joined as defendants in the suit are: the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, and the Chieftaincy Committee Eti-Osa Local Government.
Also joined as defendant is Mr Adeshina Machado, who is Secretary of the Olumegbon family.
The claimants had brought the suit, seeking a court’s determination of who is entitled to be the Oba of Ajah.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Justice Olubukola Aigbokhaevbo, adjourned the case, to enable parties sought out issues of legal representation.
Meanwhile, the court imposed a cost of N500,000 on the defendants (Olumegbon family), over delays in the suit.
Defence counsel Mr Alaba Okukpe, informed the court that he had been representing the Olumegbon family for several years.
He argued that the family owed him fees for his legal representation.
“I have been representing them for over 35 years, and the issue of fees has been the bone of contention,”he said
He argued that he had informed the defendants of his inability to continue the case, but urged that any counsel who undertakes their representation, should abide by the rules of professional ethics.
Meanwhile, incoming counsel to the Olumegbon family, informed the court, that he will go back, to resolve the issue of representation before the next adjourned date.
Following application by claimants’ counsel, Mr Richard Ahonaruogho, (SAN), who expressed displeasure over delays in the suit, the court ordered the defendants to pay a cost of N500,000.
She held that the cost is to be paid before the next adjourned date.
The court also encouraged counsel and family members in the suit to hold meetings and make progress on the case
The case was consequently, adjourned until March 25 . (NAN)
A.I
Jan. 15, 2025
Tags: Mr Kabiru Ogunsemo Mr Rasaki Ogunsemo Mr Shamsideen Ojupon Pa Adisa Ojupon
