Iree community lauds Adeleke over sacking of traditional ruler

The indigenes of Iree town in Boripe Local Government of Osun have lauded the release of the White Paper that sacked the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Raphael Ademola, by the state government.

Addressing a news conference under the aegis of Iree Progressive Association (IPA), on Monday in Iree town, Chief Wole Taiwo, the National President of IPA, commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for taking decisive action to correct the mistakes of the past administration regarding the Obaship tussle in the town.

Taiwo, who was accompanied by the Asiwaju of Iree town, Chief Adenrele Afolabi, said that the governor by given power backing the kingmakers to perform their traditional duties through the sacking of the traditional ruler, had shown dedication to upholding the customs and traditions of the people of Iree.

He said such move had not only corrected the injustice done in the past, but also ensure that protocols were followed in the selection of a new traditional ruler.

“It is essential for the kingmakers to exercise their role with utmost diligence, fairness and transparency. Their responsibility to uphold the traditions and values of the community must be carried out in a manner that respects the aspiration of the people.

“I implore the kingmakers to take this opportunity to do the needful in the right way. Let justice and wisdom guide your decision as you choose the rightful successor to the throne. Your actions will not only impact the present, but also shape the future of Iree,” he said.

Reacting to the development, Oba Ademola said that he was the only recognised traditional rule of the town.

The traditional ruler explained that he went through all the required processes for his selection and installation.

Oba Ademola said that none of the six aspirants from Oyekun Ruling House, who contested the stool against him, went to court to challenge his selection or installation, until the state government issued the White Paper.

“But, unfortunately they see the decision of governor in the purported white paper as opportunity for them to come out to re-contest for the stool after they had lost out. The government decision is tyrannical enough to destabilise the peace of the community.

“It was meant to serve self- interest, but I appeal for calm because we are one big family and we must not allow any external forces to destabilise us,” he said.

Also speaking, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, an indigene of the town and the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, said the statement of IPA did not represent the interest of Iree indigenes.

Adeleke said that those who addressed the press conference does not have the permission to speak for the town.

“Those who gathered there are members of Peoples Democratic Party and do not have the power to speak on behalf of the town.

“We are telling the whole world that anyone who is opposing the selection and installation of Oba Ademola is doing so for politics. And the White Paper that they are carrying around cannot stand the legal test.

“The case is already in court and we are waiting for the judgement before the Judicial workers went on strike. But as it is, Oba Ademola is the only recognised traditional ruler in the town and nothing can change that, he said.

The state government on had on Jan. 19 nullified the selection and installation of Oba Raphael Ademola of Iree town.

The government also nullified the selection and installation of Oba Gboyega Famodun, a former APC Chairman, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.

It also declared the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Government area vacant, pending the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.

A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, said the decision was contained in a White Paper report submitted by the committee set up by the state government on chieftaincy matters.