Kingmakers remove traditional ruler in Ondo

Kingmakers from Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, on Wednesday, declared that the traditional ruler of the town, the Amapetu of Mahin, Oba Lawrence Omowole has been deposed.

Announcing the removal of the monarch, in a letter signed by four of the kingmakers, including Urayen Ogefun of Mahinland, High Chief Akinyemi Omoyele, Asaron of Mahinland, High Chief Roju Malumi, Jadigba of Mahinland, Olibamayo Aladetan and Yasere of Mahin, High Chief Godwin Balogun, accused Omowole of illegally removing Oba Beniah Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto and installed a foreigner for the stool.

According to the kingmakers, one Oyetayo Ofoaye as the new king of Aboto, saying Ofoaye is from Ukohi family who are not member of the ruling family in the town and total stranger in Aboto.

The kingmakers explained that Ofoaye and one Omolere Menukuro had earlier challenged the appointment of Oba‎ Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto at Okitipupa High Court in 2007 but the suit was dismissed at the court.

They explained that the removal of Oba Omowole as the traditional ruler of Mahin was a collective decision taken during a meeting held at Ignokoda, headquarters of the council and attended by
Community heads from Mahin, Olojas, Baales and youth organization on February 14, 2017

They stated that copied of the letter to effect the deposition of the monarch had been sent to the local government, ministry of local government and Chieftaincy affairs and the state government.

The kingmakers however resolved that the Yasere of Mahin, Balogun, who is the chairman of the council of chiefs should be in charge of the affairs of the kingdom.

The disposed letter read in part “that by our history, no one, not even the Ama‎petu, has the power or authority to concede an inch of Mahinland or allow any stranger to wear a crown within our territory.

“That after a catalogue of complaints by the Mahin people of different communities of the acts and omission of the present Amapatu of Mahin, particularly with respect to the kingdom territorial integrity, land use, chieftaincy matters, including the issue of the Alaboto of Aboto and minor chiefs in Igbokoda; the meeting supported the decision of the Mahin Kingmakers passing a vote of no confidence on the Monarch and declaring the seat vacant for the time being.

“That we are conscious of the special stake of Mahin in the Ilaje project on account of our larger population, overwhelming land mass, ownership of the headquarters of Ilaje accommodating all groups and our strategic geographical location without which others Ilajes have no access to their kingdoms and homes.

“We shall however, not compromise our inheritance in any manner whatsoever including our kingdom’s territorial integrity, land use, chieftaincy and customs and tradition generally.

“That we urged the government of Ondo State to accord Oba Idiogbe all his rights and privileges as the Alaboto of Aboto and resist any prompting or temptation from any quarters not even the Amapetu of Mahin to appoint any other person or by any means contemplate appointment of any person not being of Mahin origin or descent as Oba in Aboto or any other part of Mahin land”

However, Oba Omowole who described his sack as a huge joke also denied the allegations leveled against him by the kingmakers , noting that some of those who signed the letters are mere impostors.

He explained that those behind the fake letter were only on a mission to ridicule him and also to blackmail his throne.

The embattled monarch specifically noted that no kingmaker has the power to remove him except his people, saying that his people are strongly behind him