An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife has halted the planned burial of the Asiwaju of Ifetedo, Chief Moses Ayanbeku, following a legal dispute among family members.
The presiding judge, Justice A.O. Adeniji, issued an interim injunction restraining all parties from proceeding with funeral arrangements pending the determination of a motion on notice.
In a far-reaching order, the court also directed the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex not to release the remains of the deceased to any family member or representative until further notice.
The late community leader had been scheduled for burial between April 22 and 26, 2026.
The suit was filed by Mrs Gifty Ayangunilayo Fagunwa (née Ayanbeku), who approached the court seeking to stop the burial, presenting multiple reliefs—all of which were granted by the court.
Among the orders granted was a directive restraining the Ife Diocese Anglican Communion and its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, from conducting any funeral or burial service in honour of the deceased.
Court documents indicated that no fewer than 17 respondents are involved in the case, including 14 children and grandchildren of the late Ayanbeku, led by Hon. Ayandiran Ayanbeku.
Other parties listed in the suit include the Anglican Diocese, its leadership, as well as the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Department of Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Medicine of Obafemi Awolowo University.
According to the enrolled order in suit number HIF/17/2026, all defendants and their representatives have been barred from taking further steps toward organising or conducting the burial.
The order specifically prohibits any funeral rites, commendation services, or related religious ceremonies pending the court’s decision on the substantive application.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till April 20, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.