Ondo: Akeredolu Warns Deji Of Akure, Others Against Abuse of Power

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor,  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has warned that it is illegal for any traditional ruler to assert authority beyond his domain.

The Governor is apparently referring to recent action by Deji of Akure,  who’s also  the chairman, State Traditional Council, Oba Ogunlade to remove some village heads, whose territories, he said are under his jurisdiction.

But Governor Akeredolu said traditional rulers should limit their activities to their domain.

The Deji also meddled in the selection process of Iralepo of Isinkan, but was stopped by a court action.

Governor Akeredolu handed down the warning at the presentation of staff of office to the new Iralepo of Isikan,Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula,  in Isinkan in Akure South Local Government area of the state.

Presenting the staff of office to the new Iralepo,  Akeredolu represented by his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged the people to support Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula to ensure his reign is sweet and peaceful.

“It will be recalled that the stool of Iralepo became vacant on 4th February, 2021 following the demise of Oba Joseph Olu Ojo,” the governor said.

According to him, “The selection process to fill the vacant stool of Iralepo started on 11th October, 2021 when the State Government acceded to the request of Isinkan Community through Akure South Local Government for approval to commence the process of appointing and installing a new Oba.

“As you know, the law, custom and tradition of Isinkan provide for 14 kingmakers out of which 13 are alive, while one (Chief Lisa) is dead.

“In line with the laid down procedure, the Iralepo Ruling House nominated and presented five candidates at the meeting of the kingmakers on 2ist October, 2021.

“The kingmakers conducted the selection exercise among the five contestants and Prince Olugbenga Ojo got the highest votes and was thereby declared as the Iralepo-elect.

“The selection and appointment was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on 21st June, 2022 after confirming that the process which led to the emergence of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo-elect was in conformity with due process.”

The Governor said government will continue to do its best in making life more meaningful to residents through the provision of security, social amenities and infrastructural development through its REEDEEMED mantra.

“Let me also advise the Kabiyesi to restrict your governance to your domain only. Any idea to extend your territory to other areas outside your domain will not be tolerated. May God help you to succeed in this onerous task.”

The Iralepo of Isinkan,Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula thanked the people of Isikan for their support, assuring them of quality performance to lead Isikan to the next level of development.

“By the special grace of the Almighty God, there will be peace and tranquillity in our land throughout our reign and thereafter.

“We shall leverage this throne to get development to our people. We pledge our support to the government for the development of this land and the entire state and to ensure our people benefit immensely from this democracy,” the traditional ruler said.