Crisis is brewing in Arigidi Akoko community in Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo over the choice of a date for the new yam festival.
While the traditional ruler of the community, the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Olanipekun had reportedly approved July 20 as previously celebrated in the past, an indigene of the town, Gani Ashiru, was said to have fixed the celebration for tomorrow, July 13.
Distancing from the announcement and radio jingles placed by Ashiru, the community heads have said the date for the new Yam festival remains July 20, saying Ashiru fixed the date for the festival without consulting with relevant stakeholders.
In a press statement signed by the Edibo of Arigidi, High Chief Alabi Rotimi Francis, on behalf of Arigidi Council of Chiefs, said the announcement by an individual is alien to the tradition and culture of the agrarian community.
The High Chief maintained that the Zaki of Arigidi remains the only authority to announce the celebration of the annual new yam festival, which is celebrated on July 20 of every year in Arigidi Akoko.
Francis on behalf of the community called on security agencies and the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the controversy to avert breakdown of law and order in the town.
He noted that Ashiru is neither a chief nor a leader or an authority in Arigidi to fix or call for the celebration of the festival, and said he lacks any authority to announce the celebration of a new yam festival.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a radio jingle by one Gani Ashiru, an indigene of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo state, announcing his plans to celebrate the New Yam Festival on July 13.
“This is not only alien to our culture and tradition in Arigidi Akoko, but also a sacrilege.
“It is a widely-known tradition in Arigidi that our king, the Zaki of Arigidi is the only authority to announce the celebration of a new yam festival, which is celebrated on July 20 of every year in Arigidi Akoko.
This announcement by Mr Ashiru is a ploy to cause confusion and crisis in our town.
“Let it be known that the people of Arigidi Akoko are peace-loving. Ashiru is neither a chief nor a leader in Arigidi and lacks any authority to announce the celebration of a new yam festival.
“We, therefore call on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the commissioner for chieftaincy affairs to use their good offices to call Ashiru to order and avoid any crisis in Arigidi.
Also, we call on the Commissioner of Police in Ondo state and the Director of the State Security Service to intervene now to avert any breakdown of law and order in our town.
“It has become obvious that he has a devious plan to cause crisis in Arigidi. We implore all the security agencies in the state to intervene now before any harm is done.
and then