The Palace of the Deji of Akure has moved to calm tensions over a recent Ondo State High Court judgment concerning the status of the Iralepo of Isinkan chieftaincy title, insisting that the ruling cannot override earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, the Palace said the judgment delivered by Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi on October 12, 2026, in Suit No. AK/434/2022, does not invalidate the subsisting appellate decisions recognising the Iralepo as a Quarter Chief under the authority of the Deji of Akure.

The Palace explained that the Court of Appeal, in Appeal No. CA/AK/69/2022 delivered on February 21, 2025, had set aside an earlier High Court judgment and declared that Isinkan is a quarter in Akureland, with the Iralepo as a Quarter Chief of the Deji. It also restrained any person or authority from admitting, appointing or installing an Iralepo under Part 1 of the Ondo State Chiefs Law without the consent of the Deji of Akure.

According to the statement, the trial court’s latest verdict cannot supersede that appellate decision, which remains binding unless overturned by the Supreme Court.

The Palace cited Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to argue that all authorities must enforce the decisions of superior courts.

It further referenced a June 2, 2026 judgment in Suit No. AK/156/2023, which affirmed the Deji of Akure as the Paramount Ruler of Akureland, including Isinkan and Isolo, as well as existing government circulars and earlier court decisions on the matter.

Describing the court’s ruling as a “voyage of discovery,” the Palace said it had instructed its lawyers to immediately file an appeal. It maintained that the judgment would not alter the current status quo or disturb the peace achieved between the communities over the years.

The Deji of Akure urged residents and interested parties not to misinterpret the ruling, assuring that the matter would be resolved through legal and amicable means, while the Palace would continue to act as a father to all.