By Uche Amunike
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has dethroned three prominent monarchs in the state, stating that their selection was not carried out in line with due process.
Speaking, through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, he explained that the decision was stated in a white paper issued by the state government after they received a report from the committee that investigated the extent at which the affected monarchs’ appointment did not fall in line with due process.
The three monarchs are the Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Raphael; Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri and the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodu.
Their suspension took place after an Executive Order was issued by the governor in November 2022 and they were ordered to vacate their respective palaces until the government came to a decision.
According to the statement, the white paper reversed the appointments of the three monarchs. It also implied that after the State Executive Council approved the reversal of the Monarchs’ appointments, they also ratified it after it was reviewed by a special committee that was headed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
It further stated: ‘On the report on the chieftaincy matters chaired by Honourable Bunmi Jenyo, the white paper overwhelmingly prioritized compliance with legal requirements as a basis for final decisions.’
‘By the report of the White Paper, all previous steps taken about the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stands nullified. And that all-inclusive selection process (es) for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, respectively, should commence immediately.’
‘Specifically on Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the Court so as to allow for the commencement of the selection process denovo in line with due process and tradition.’
‘And on the stool of Owa of Igbajo the White Paper nullified the previous selection process which produced Prince Gboyega Famodun and directed an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee.’
Regarding the disputed Akirun stool, the white paper instructed that the parties should await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal and declared the stool vacant.
It further clarified: ‘On other disputed kingship stools, the white paper further recommended compliance with the requirements of the law as in the Alawo stool where the government accepted the committee recommendation that the government should await the outcome of the pending suit before the Supreme Court’.
On the recovery of assets, the white paper committee report recommended the use of a task force to ensure compliance. It read: ‘Government has directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of government vehicles carted away by officials of the Gboyega Oyetola administration.
Aside from that, the Ademola Adeleke-led administration has directed that the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment should publish the six white papers in the official newspaper of the state.
