The Iree community in the Boripe local government area of Osun State is embroiled in a fresh crisis as Prince Afolabi Ali, a contestant for the Aree stool, has taken Governor Ademola Adeleke to court.
The development came amid confusion in the community stemming from the appointment of two kings by the Osun government.
Oba Ademola Ponle was appointed by the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022 but Adeleke appointed Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the king last week, following the issuance of a White Paper.
However, the legitimacy of the process that led to the appointment of the second king has been challenged by Prince Ali from the Olubonku Ruling House, alleging that Adeleke disregarded the constitution during the selection process.
Prince Ali sought an order before the Osun State High Court that the appointment of Oba Oyelakin as Aree should be nullified because the selection of the king was done by none kingmakers.
He added that Olubonku ruling house is the only chieftaincy ruling house competent to present candidates for the Aree stool being the only ruling house that has yet to rule since 1866 when Atanda Olubonku ruling house ruled between 1795 to 1866.
It was noted that Adeleke contravened Section 20 (2) of the Chief’s Law (cap.25) Laws of Osun state, 2002 by approving the selection of Oyelakin before the statutory 21 days.
“The law says that after selection of a monarch might have been done, the governor shall not approve or set aside that selection until after 21 days. Recall that the selection of Oyelakin was made on February 22, 2024, while Governor Ademola approved it by issuing an approval letter to Oyelakin on March 6, 2024.”
