Tension in Ondo community over alleged imposition of non-indigene as monarch

Hundreds of indigenes of the Ikota community in the Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State have protested against purported selection and the alleged imposition of one Mr Babajide Victor Akinloye, as the traditional ruler of the town.

The protesters who were mainly youths from the agrarian community kicked against the imposition and ratification of the new traditional head by the state government, saying it was in violation with the customs, tradition and Chieftaincy law of the land.

Armed with placards and leaves, the protesters maintained that Akinloye was not a native of Ikota town, though his mother hailed from the community but not from the Akota ruling House saying the purported appointment of the monarch as a violation of The Chiefs Edict 1984 on Ikota Chieftaincy Declaration.

The protesters who were led by the President, Ikota Progressive Union (IPU), Chief Ebenezer Olorunfemi, the Community’s Women Leader, Mrs Kikelomo Ajisafe and Ikota Youth Leader, Akinsanmi Fadairo, disclosed that Akinloye hailed from Odopetu family of Akure saying the new monarch is not entitled to the throne.

They lamented that the selection and appointment of Akinloye had caused anxiety and tension in the community, describing the monarch appointment as an affront to the tradition of the Ikota community.

The protesters specifically alleged the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bamidele Oloyelogun of being behind the illegal appointment of the monarch by using his influence and office to impose Akinloye on the people of the community.

The leader of the protesters, Olorunfemi explained that the local government authorities had written to the state government to confirm that Akinloye is not entitled to the throne saying he is from the female lineage and not entitled to the throne.

In a letter dated November 16, 2016, marked: ILG/879/Vol.II/167 addressed to the State Government and made available to newsmen, stated that out of the two contestants to the Akota’s stool, Prince Adewolu Badejo is from male lineage to the throne while Akinloye is from the female lineage.

ALSO READ: New Year Message: Lagos deputy governor calls for unity, tolerance of one another 

The people stated in the letter that under the Chieftaincy law only male lineage has a right to the obaship throne.

The protesters said: “Our disbelief and shock were premised on the fact that the said Babajide Victor Akinloye is an indigene of Akure, he doesn’t belong to Ikota ruling house, only his mother is our town, even the mother is not from the royal family. The Chiefs Edict on Ikota Chieftaincy clearly exempts non-indigene and non-male lineage of Arakale Ruling house from the Akota’s stool.”

The protesters insisted that: “Akinloye himself admitted he is not from our town, we don’t know why he is being sponsored by Oloyelogun to cause unrest and the traditional crisis in our town.

“The entire Ikota people are fully behind Prince Badejo to become Akota and anything short of that, we will not allow an impostor to lead us.”

“We appeal to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to call Oloyelogun to order and advise the state government to act on the local government’s said letter and relevant Chiefs laws to set aside the purported appointment of Akinloye and install Badejo as Akota for a lasting peace in our community that is rich in cash crops.”

While addressing the protesters the Regent of Ikota, Princess Adun Ajisafe, also corroborated that Akinloye was not from the Royal family, but called for calm, saying necessary government’s organs were working hard to redress the injustice, noting that the imposition might cause crisis in the town.

All attempts to speak with the State Speaker House of Assembly, Oleyelogun, were not successful but an aide of the Speaker denied his principal involvement in the imposition of Akinloye as the traditional ruler of Ikota community.

He said: “The Speaker is not one of the kingmakers of Ikota and cannot be involved in the selection or imposition of a candidate for the throne. I can confirm to you that the Speaker is not involved in the crisis within the community and should be counted out.