Deji Of Akure, Iralepo Isinkan Re-Ignite War Over Supremacy

By Ayodele Oni

A Court of Appeal Judgement which declared that Isinkan, a community in Akure south local government is one of the quarters of Akure, has again re ignited the old war of supremacy between the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and Iralepo of Isinkan.

The Court of Appeal presided over by Justice Fadawu Umaru also declared that the Deji of Akure, should have a say in who becomes the head of the Isinkan quarter.

Following the development, Ona Aladelusi has ordered the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Gbenga Ojo to handover all palace properties within his possession to the appropriate quarters for proper documentation.

This followed the installation and appointment of  Gbenga Henry Adeyeye as the new Iralepo of Isikan quarters by the Deji, which now qualifies him to wear all paraphernalia of office attached to the stool of the Iralepo of Isikan.

Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Michael Adeyeye, in a statement said “We wish to inform Mr. Gbenga Ojo that any violation of the afore-stated shall be met stiffer penalties including committal proceedings.

“The presentation of certificate to the new Iralepo was witnessed by the Omowa of Isikan and other dignitaries at the palace of the Deji of Akure Land.

“The Palace wishes to congratulate the new Iralepo and urge him to ensure the development and progress of Isikan community under his watch.”

Reacting to comment from the Deji’s palace, Kayode Oluyi, Olisa of Isinkan and spokesman stated that the “ancient throne of the Iralepo of Isinkan is not such a child’s play susceptible to the theatre of absurdity.

“Henry Gbenga Adeyeye being now said to be appointed as High Chief Iralepo of Isinkan by the Deji of Akure contested with Oba Olugbenga Ojo for the throne of Iralepo in 2021 and was rejected by the Isinkan people for reasons bordering on his suitability and eligibility under customary law. He has since been hibernating in the palace of the Deji.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, we the people of Isinkan know ourselves by genealogy and proper birth.

“Besides, the Iralepo of Isinkan has from creation and time immemorial only been appointed by the people of Isinkan and never by the Deji of Akure nor subject to his approval.

“While we take due cognizance of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and exercising our further rights in that respect under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to assure all that the throne of the Iralepo of Isinkan is not vacant as Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III), the Olusi Obarisa, remains, and sits on the throne and in the palace of the Iralepo of Isinkan.”