Testifying before the Osun State High Court last Wednesday, High Chief Kayode Awofiranye affirmed that the former Ooni, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, gifted the territory known as Agbonbiti village to the relatives of his younger sibling, the late Chief Samuel Adetunji Adewuyi. Awofiranye delivered this evidence while serving as a defence witness in an active land dispute between the Adewuyi lineage and the Ife Traditional Council under the jurisdiction of Justice M. O. Agboola.
During the cross-examination conducted by the claimants' legal representative, O. N. Babatunde, the witness was questioned regarding whether the late traditional ruler truly transferred the property to the Adewuyis. He gave a positive confirmation, noting that the monarch had similarly allocated land portions to various other individuals. Responding directly to the court, Awofiranye stated that the property in question is Agbonbiti village, situated within the Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, adding that no disputes had arisen between him and the Adewuyi household concerning the estate.
What initiated the legal proceedings?
The court case, registered under suit number HFT/5/2024, was brought forward by five representatives of the Adewuyi lineage—Princes Adegbenga, Adediji, Adefemi, Adeposi, and Adegboye Adewuyi—acting on behalf of their late father's household. The plaintiffs are asking the judiciary to formally declare Agbonbiti village as the sole asset of the Adewuyi family. To substantiate their position, they have presented a survey document from April 15, 1966, alongside a composite survey layout finalized on February 29, 2024. The family contends that the allocation by the monarch, who was the elder brother to their late patriarch, established exclusive rights and removed the acreage from the general communal pool of Ile-Ife lands.
How are the defendants challenging the suit?
Conversely, the Ife Traditional Council and co-defendants dispute this narrative, arguing that Agbonbiti continues to serve as communal territory belonging collectively to Ile-Ife. Their legal counter-argument asserts that communal lands are held in trust for the populace, meaning any legitimate transfer requires the explicit involvement of the traditional council. They argue that the historical arrangement between the late Ooni and his brother was a private matter that failed to establish absolute ownership for the Adewuyis. During the subsequent court session, defence counsel Adebusola Adedoyin sought to admit several documents referenced in the witness's deposition dated February 3, 2025, which faced no objections from the opposing legal team as the legal battle continues.