The Justice Group, a human rights advocacy body, has vowed to drag the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, to court over the death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, the late Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village.
The group accused the Alaafin of being “vicariously responsible” for the alleged brutal assault that led to Chief Arounfale’s death. According to the group, Chief Arounfale was assaulted, pushed down a staircase, and beaten with charms within the Alaafin’s private residence on April 17, 2025, sustaining serious injuries that ultimately led to his death on April 26, 2025.
Describing the incident as “barbaric, inhuman, and murderous,” the Justice Group has pledged to seek justice for Chief Arounfale’s death through the courts.
The group’s spokesperson, Wande Lawrence, signed a statement announcing their intention to take legal action against the Alaafin.
“We are prepared to go to court. Alaafin must come to prove his innocence,” the group said.
Justice Group further announced its intention to stage global protests in both Nigeria and the United States, while also reaching out to international human rights organisations and the global press to monitor court proceedings.
The group stated it had already contacted its legal team and is mobilising for legal and civil action.
The statement further reads, “It is disheartening that Oba Owoade walks freely and happily today while the bereaved family is left in grief. We will not rest until justice is served.”
The group also recounted that the late Chief Arounfale, described as a cultural icon and custodian of Yoruba heritage in the diaspora, had a disagreement with the Alaafin after asserting the Oyotunji village’s royal allegiance to the Ooni of Ife.
Tensions reportedly escalated when he attempted to show photographs of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba OkunadeSijuwade, crowning two past monarchs of Oyotunji.
Justice Group criticised the Oyo State Government for its silence on the matter, saying their calls for investigation had gone unanswered.
“It is unfortunate that the state government has not deemed it fit to initiate a probe, despite the public outcry,” the statement read.
They also condemned the recent denial of involvement by the Alaafin, asserting that the denial adds “insult to the deep wound inflicted on the Yoruba cultural landscape”.
“We remain undeterred by threats of spiritual or physical confrontation from palace loyalists. We urge all lovers of justice to stand with us,” the group concluded.
Justice Group maintains a presence in Nigeria, the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Brazil.
