Festering Obaship tussles in three communities in Osun has taken a new turn. In one of the communities, Iree, leaders expressed support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s reversal of the enthronement of the traditional ruler.

On Tuesday, the Aree-in-Council, Iree Council of Elders, and the Iree Progressive Association declared support for Mr Adeleke’s decision to suspend the Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Oluponle.

On his first day in office on Monday, Mr Adeleke issued an executive order setting aside the enthronement of the Aree of Iree, the Akirun of Ikirun, and the Owa of Igbajo.

The governor declared that the suspension would hold pending the review of their appointments. Mr Adeleke directed security operatives to take over the three rulers’ palaces immediately.

A statement issued by the Asiwaju of Iree, Ade Afolabi and the national president of the Iree Progressive Association (IPA), Oluwole Taiwo, declared support for the governor.

The statement said the governor’s decision would bring sanity to Iree in the Boripe North local government area.

The elders called on the governor to conduct a proper investigation claiming that due process was not followed in selecting Mr Oluponle from among other contestants.

“According to customs and tradition, Iree has six kingmakers known as Afobajes (Iwarẹfa Mẹfa). Their primary assignment is to elect a new Ọba (traditional ruler) when the incumbent joins his ancestors,” the statement explained. “The kingmakers include the Eesa, the Ọjọmu, the Ọsọlọ, the Aogun, the Inurin and the Jagun. All these kingmakers, except the Eesa, are still actively alive today but were not consulted.”

Signatories to the endorsement of Mr Adeleke’s decision also stated that Iree indigenes kicked against the use of warrant chiefs in selecting the traditional ruler, contrary to customs.

“The elders observe that the use of warrant chiefs to elect an oba is alien to Iree custom and tradition. It is equally worrisome that the procedure of jettisoning the authentic kingmakers may likely stall the growth and development of the town,” added the statement.

The elders appealed to the new Osun governor to disregard anyone calling for the reinstatement of the Aree.

The Olubonku Ruling House in Iree also supported and commended the governor for suspending Mr Oluponle.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Ali Afolabi, the ruling house said the governor’s decision had saved Iree from a crisis that might engulf the town following the imposition of Mr Oluponle.

He argued that before the selection of Mr Oluponle, the kingmakers had instituted a suit at the Osun State High Court, asking the court to stop the previous governor from appointing warrant chiefs.

(NAN)