Two ruling houses in Ipetumodu, Aribile and Fagbemokun, and the kingmakers in the town have called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to declare the stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu vacant and initiate the process for appointing a new monarch.
The representatives of the ruling houses, on Thursday, jointly addressed a press conference in Ipetumodu, accusing the state government of deliberately slowing down the process of appointing a new monarch after the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede in the United States of America for fraud.
It would be recalled that Oba Oloyede, 62, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced to 56 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko.
Reading the text of the press conference on behalf of the ruling houses, Prince Dele Oyebade said even after the princes had procured the CTC of the judgment and submitted it, the Osun State Government still refused to declare the stool vacant.
“The continued delay in declaring the stool vacant has brought disgrace and embarrassment to the throne and the entire ruling houses. This must be urgently addressed to restore dignity and honour.
“With electoral activities approaching, it is imperative that this matter is resolved promptly to maintain stability and prevent unnecessary tension.”
Giving a timeline to the demand of the community, Prince Olaboye Ayoola said the town had been bedevilled with different challenges over the current vacuum created by the incarceration of Oba Oloyede.
He further said, “Today is Thursday, we are giving the state government seven days to act on our request and declare the stool of Apetumodu vacant.
“We may not have power, but we are aware of our rights to choose between options. We appreciate the governor, and we pledge our commitment to him.
“But our town is facing serious challenges because of the situation around the stool of Apetumodu. The incarcerated monarch can’t return after his jail term, and it is most unpatriotic to leave a town such as this without a monarch for so long.
“Communities around us are encroaching on our ancestral land. Residents are experiencing all manner of misfortune due to the absence of Apetu. We can’t perform necessary rites, yet the governor will still not act.”
Follow the OSUNDOTLIFE channel on WhatsAppKindly share this story | All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from OSUNDOTLIFE.
Contact: editor@osun.life
WhatsApp: 📲 +2348092333666