Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed three prominent traditional rulers in the state, citing violations of due process in their selection. A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, revealed that this decision follows a comprehensive investigation conducted by a committee appointed by the state government.
The affected monarchs, namely the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri, the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, and the Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Raphael, were initially suspended through an Executive Order issued by the Governor in November 2022, pending government deliberations.
The state government’s white paper, a culmination of the committee’s findings, has now been approved by the State Executive Council and further scrutinized by a special committee led by the Governor. This white paper, according to the statement, has nullified the previous steps taken in the installation of the Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, emphasizing a priority on compliance with legal requirements for final decisions.
The document instructs an all-inclusive selection process for new nominees for these positions, urging a withdrawal of lawsuits to allow for a fresh start in accordance with due process and tradition.
The White Paper also addresses the disputed Akirun stool, directing parties to await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal, while declaring the stool vacant. Similar recommendations for compliance with legal requirements are extended to other disputed kingship stools, such as the Alawo stool, where the government acknowledges committee recommendations and awaits the outcome of pending suits.
IMAGE: Tribune online
