By Niyi Akande
Rumpus in Iree in Boripe Local Government area of Osun State as kingmakers were no where to be found regarding the appointment of Aree of Iree.
It was gathered that arrangements have been concluded to appoint the new monarch today. Representatives of the State Government from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs and Security agents were on ground to witness the appointment.
The kingmakers, who are traditionally empowered to appoint the new monarch, by virtue of Yoruba culture, were absent, as they have notified the authority of the number of threats they’ve received, most especially on 28th October, 2022, during their usual meeting in their chamber at Aree Palace when they noticed some strange people in their large number around Idi-Oosa, Aare Palace, acting on the information circulating around that new Aree of Iree must be installed by fire by force.
Addressing journalists shortly after the gathering, the Chairman, Boripe North Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbegbin, said it is unfortunate that the kingmakers who should be around to appoint the new monarch have absconded.
“It is so unfortunate that our kingmakers who should be on ground to appoint the new Aree of Iree are no where to be found. This is the third time that we will be gathering here to elect the new monarch.
“As the council Chairman, have notified all the stakeholders who are here to write their reports and submit it to the appropriate quarters. We are going to look at the issue very critically to know why our kingmakers are not showing up.”
Speaking with Osundaily, High Chief Saliu Atoyebi (Aogun Of Iree land) said the security of all the Kingmakers was not guaranteed.
He said: “As kingmakers, we are ready to perform our traditional assignment, but we cannot be risking our lives when we are aware of what the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke (Banik) is planning to do for we the kingmakers. We heard what he plans for us but we cannot risk our lives, most especially, the elderly ones among us.”
One of the princes, Adeleke Wasiu Abiodun, from Olaromoye ruling house, said according to the judgement of Justice Falola that mandated the four ruling houses, Oyekun, Oyetite, Eyinola and Olubonku to produce the next monarch for the town.
According to Prince Adeleke, he opined “Though, we are aware that a lot of controversies are going on regarding the appointment of the new Aree, but what is important is that a new king should be installed in no distant time.
He said: “I want to implore the State Government to help us look critically into this issue as our kingmakers are not ready to perform their responsibility. This is the third time the government will be coming for the this assignment.”
Recall, the kingmakers have rejected the appointment of Iyalode of Iree, Chief (Mrs) Serifat Adebayo, as warrant chief to replace the Eesa of Iree who has died.
Attempt to speak with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, prove abortive as calls and messages sent to their cellphones were not responded to.
