Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has taken a firm stand against expansionist tendencies in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Akure,.
In dousing the tension, the governor advocate for status quo to remain while throwing his weight behind the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) to be allowed pursue it’s case to the apex court.
The Iralepo-in-Council has vowed to challenge the recent Court of Appeal ruling at the Supreme Court.
It will be recalled that the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, had ordered the suspension of Mr. Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo of Isinkan following the Appeal Court judgment.
The court had declared that the upgrading of the Iralepo Chieftaincy to a recognized title was “null and void and of no effect,” affirming that Isinkan remains a quarter under the authority of the Deji of Akure.
“The Appeal Court declares that Isinkan remains a quarter and a domain under the headship of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.
The court also held that no upgrading of whatsoever can be done without the consent of the Deji of Akure Kingdom,” Oba Aladetoyinbo stated while ordering the suspension of all privileges attached to the Iralepo title.
Reacting to the ruling, the Iralepo-in-Council, through High Chief Kayode Oluyi, the Olisa of Isinkan Kingdom, insisted that Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula remains the rightful Iralepo and vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.
“We have received the judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure over the chieftaincy title of the Iralepo of Isinkan in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. Our legal team is studying the judgment and will be appealing same immediately,” Oluyi said.
He further emphasized the significance of the case, stating that it poses a threat to the tradition and identity of the Isinkan people.
“Our tradition and culture are under threat, and this represents an existential challenge to our homeland. We use this medium to appeal to the good people of Isinkan to remain calm as the Iralepo-in-Council is on top of the situation. We want to assure you that Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) remains the Iralepo of Isinkan Kingdom.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in a viral video , assured that his administration supports lawful processes and the preservation of traditional heritage while cautioning against any form of territorial expansion that could fuel further conflict.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice prevails in this matter. If the Iralepo of Isinkan believes his rights have been violated, it is within his power to seek redress at the Supreme Court. The Ondo State government will support any lawful step taken to protect the integrity of our traditional system.
However, we will not tolerate any expansionist moves that could disrupt the peace and unity of Akure and its environs,” Aiyedatiwa said.
As tensions rise, stakeholders have urged calm and patience, stressing the need for all parties to respect the judicial process. With the legal battle now heading to the Supreme Court, the fate of the Iralepo chieftaincy title remains a major point of contention in Ondo State’s traditional landscape.
