Court Urges Compliance With Processes as Parties Await Substantive Hearing

By Our Correspondent

Lagostrend report that the ongoing legal dispute over the traditional leadership of Iraye Community has taken another development, following proceedings in the case involving High Chief Odusegun Moshood Anwoju, described by his side as Baale of Iraye-Oke, and High Chief Kazeem Abiodun Anwoju, Baale of Iraye-Ebute.

The matter, with Case Reference No. 116192/2026, centres on competing positions concerning the traditional leadership structure and the appropriate recognition of the Baale of Iraye Community.

According to information presented in connection with the proceedings, High Chief Odusegun Moshood Anwoju instituted the case against High Chief Kazeem Abiodun Anwoju over the question of the authentic traditional leadership of Iraye Community.

Dispute Over Traditional Leadership

The dispute reportedly involves differing positions on whether the Iraye Community should have separate traditional leadership arrangements for the Eredo and Epe divisions.

According to the position attributed to High Chief Odusegun Moshood Anwoju, there could be two Baales under the arrangement, with one representing the Eredo Division and another representing the Epe Division, with himself claiming the position associated with Iraye-Oke.

High Chief Kazeem Abiodun Anwoju, meanwhile, is identified as Baale Iraye-Ebute, with the parties maintaining different positions regarding the extent and legitimacy of their respective traditional titles.

The question of who is legally and traditionally entitled to the disputed title remains before the court and is expected to be determined through the judicial process.

HIGH CHIEF KAZEEM ABIODUN ANWOJU

BAALE IRAYE EBUTE

Court Awards Additional ₦50,000 Cost

During the court proceedings monitored by Lagostrend Correspondence on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the court reportedly awarded an additional ₦50,000 cost against High Chief Odusegun Moshood Anwoju over issues relating to compliance with the required court processes.

The latest cost reportedly follows an earlier ₦500,000 cost imposed in connection with the filing of the pre-action protocol.

The court reportedly directed the complainant to settle the outstanding costs and complete the necessary court processes within the shortest possible time to enable the substantive hearing of the case to commence.

The court also reportedly expressed displeasure over delays surrounding the completion of the required processes, stressing the importance of compliance so that the substantive issues in dispute can be heard.

The latest ruling therefore represents another procedural development in the case, although it does not, by itself, constitute a final determination of the substantive dispute over the Baaleship.

Family Calls for Restraint Pending Judgment

Against the backdrop of the ongoing litigation, members of the family associated with the dispute have called for restraint and urged all parties to await the final determination of the court before taking actions capable of further deepening tensions within the community.

The family, according to the position presented to Lagostrend, has also questioned the basis of High Chief Odusegun Moshood Anwoju’s claim to the title of Baale of Iraye-Oke and maintained that he should not continue to present himself as Baale pending the final judgment of the court.

They further alleged that he had not produced sufficient documentation to support his claim. These remain claims made by the concerned family/party and are subject to the determination of the court.

Appeal for Peace

In response to the continuing proceedings, Baale Iraye-Ebute, High Chief Kazeem Abiodun Anwoju, appealed to members of the Iraye Community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.

He urged residents and stakeholders not to allow the disagreement over traditional leadership to disrupt the peace and unity of the community.

He also called on the people to remain prayerful for Iraye Community, Lagos State and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

According to the message from his side, members of Iraye Community remain one people despite their differences and should continue to uphold peace, respect, unity and the rule of law.

Clarification on Iraye-Oke Baaleship

The Baale Iraye-Ebute’s side also used the opportunity to state that, from its position, there is currently no duly recognised Baale of Iraye-Oke.

The position further states that whenever a Baale for Iraye-Oke is duly recognised through the appropriate process, such development would be communicated to the relevant authorities, stakeholders and the general public.

However, with the matter currently before the court, the final legal position concerning the disputed traditional title remains subject to the court’s eventual judgment.

Community Awaits Final Determination

As the legal proceedings continue, attention is now focused on the completion of the outstanding court processes and the eventual substantive hearing of the case.

Stakeholders have been urged to refrain from inflammatory statements or actions that could undermine peace in Iraye Community and to allow the judicial process to run its course.

For a community whose development depends heavily on unity, cooperation and responsible leadership, residents are being encouraged to maintain peace while awaiting the final determination of the court.

May peace continue to reign in Iraye Community. May wisdom guide all its traditional and community leaders, and may the ongoing process ultimately contribute to lasting unity, peace and development in Iraye, Lagos State and Nigeria.

See court documents

— Lagostrend Correspondence