Stop parading yourself as Owatapa, Osun govt tells Agoro •Apologise to me before 7 days, Agoro tells govt

OSUN State government has, through a letter, issued a warning to Dr Olapade Agoro, asking him to stop  parading himself as the Owatapa of Itapa-Ijesa.

The letter, signed by Femi Ogundun, dated August 19, 2016, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, Water Resources, Rural and Community Affairs, said the title of Itapa-Ijesa does not exist, adding, therefore, that Agoro’s action ran contrary to Section 21(3)(a) and (b) of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of the State of Osun 2002.

“You are to stop disturbing the peace of Erinmo-Ijesa and other communities of the State of Osun. The security agencies have been requested to ensure that you do not engage in any activity that would threaten the prevailing peace in Erinmo-Ijesa and environs and to also ensure that you stop parading yourself as oba,” the letter read.

“I am to add that this letter serves as the final warning,” the letter added.

The government also added that the letter was sequel to the earlier correspondence to Dr Agoro from the state government, dated March 21, 2016 on the issue and series of other correspondence/petitions on the issue of Atapami of Itapa-Ijesa received from the Chambers of Elerinmo-in-Council, indigenes and non-indigenes of Erinmo community, Erinmo-Ijesa Elders Forum and erudite practitioners.

Reacting to the development, Dr Agoro said Governor Rauf Aregbesola, with the numerous challenges bedeviling his government, should put a stop to his diversionary antics on Owa Atapami chieftaincy.

He also asked the government to apologise to him within seven days of service of his reply.

He further denied ever receiving any letter from the permanent secretary under reference CD.9/19/VOL.III/555 of November 20, 2006 containing the said piece of advice by the government which had prompted the government to give him a final warning.

“May I be allowed to inform you correctly that the issue of Owa Atapa or that of Atapa chieftaincy restoration is a settled matter in the case of Agoro vs Aromolaran and for better punctuation of some key issues now subject matter of appeal before the Court of Apeal, Akure, in suit No: CA/1/223/2003.

“In addition is the fact of pending suit No: HIL/m.16/ 2006 Agoro vs Odunayo a.k.a. Elerinmo ANRS and which case seeks answer to the issue of Elerinmo of Erinmo Itapa-Ijesa being statutory tenants of Owa Atapami on Itapa-Ijesaland.

“And as well my written submission dated July 28, 2016 delivered and received on August 4, 2016 by the Osun State government instituted judicial commission into disputed chieftaincy declarations and other allied chieftaincy matters,” he said.

Agoro, in the letter, concluded that “this is hereby demanding within seven days of service of this letter on you, a well worded letter of apology to be seen and approved by me; and thereafter to be placed as advertorial matter in half size page of three of Nigerian newspapers.”