The judge who made this known at the hearing today expressed his concerns over the absence of the five defense counsel including those representing Ọba Ademola Makinde, the Osun State government, Boluwaduro,, and warrant chiefs.
He further warned that if the defendants fail to appear on the newly scheduled day, the hearing will proceed without them.
Meanwhile, the counsel to the plaintiff, Saka Layoonu, maintained that the defense’s absence from the court was as a result of poor regard for the court of law and an attempt to delay court proceedings which has been the practice of the defendant since 2023.
Layoonu said It is disheartening that none of the five Lawyers appeared in court in utter disregard to the court and a subtle bid to buy time through unnecessary adjournments.
He mentioned that he was supposed to be in Abuja to attend the confirmation of the newly appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria ,SAN, today, but had to force himself to be physically present in Osogbo because of the importance he attached to the the case.
It should however be established that this case is part of a broader dispute stemming from Governor Ademola Adeleke’s nullification of certain Obas’ selections in 2022. The affected royal fathers include the Owa of Igbajo, Aree of Iree, and Akinrun of Ikirun.