The indigenes and residents of Isikan in Akure, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reaffirmed that Oba Olugbenga Adimula Ojo remains their traditional ruler, insisting that the Iralepo stool is not vacant.
This was in reaction to the news report that the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has appointed a new Iralepo following the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division.
Thefrontrank reports that the Deji had on Friday announced the suspension of Oba Olugbenga Ojo as the traditional ruler of Isinkan.
Reacting to the development, the indigenes and residents of Isinkan disagreed with the Deji, stating that the Iralepo had never been appointed by any other one apart from Isinkan indigenes.
A statement signed on behalf of the indigenes and residents by Chief Kayode Oluyi, the Olisa of Isinkan kingdom, stated that “the Iralepo throne is not a child’s play susceptible to the theatre of absurdity.”
The statement read: “The good people of Isinkan kingdom in Akure South Local Government have ordinarily resolved not to be part of the public entertainment since the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered yesterday evening because the sacred and ancient throne of the Iralepo of Isinkan is not such a child’s play susceptible to the theatre of absurdity.
“However, in deference to the concerns of our friends and well wishers, it is important to state that Mr. 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.
“Out of our immense respect for Mr. Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and in deference to the ongoing Inauguration Ceremony taking place in Ondo State, we implore our people to peacefully go about their businesses and not do or be involved in anything that would portray the great peace loving people of Isinkan as discourteous rabble rousing bumpkins.
“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.”
