The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo has appointed High Chief Adeyeye Henry Gbenga as the new Iralepo of Isikan in Akure south local government area of Ondo state.
The monarch however described as a joke and illegal, the selection of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the new Iralepo of Isikan.
Oba Aladetoyinbo stated this in his palace while presenting High Chief Adeyeye Henry Gbenga to Akure Community as new Quarter Chief of Isikan.
Prince Ojo had emerged as the Iralepo-elect after a selection exercise which ended on Thursday at Saint Thomas’s event centre, Isinkan.
Reacting, The Deji of Akure however pointed out that the reported selection of Prince Ojo was null and void as far as the kingdom was concerned.
Presenting the new iralepo to newsmen at his palace, Oba Aladetoyinbo said he had approved the appointment of Adeyeye Henry Gbenga on 4th of October, 2021.
Represented by senior high chief Segun Adedipe, the elemo of Akure Kingdom, the Deji said the new iralepo’s appointment was based on favourable consideration and the unanimous decision of Aruwolasi Iralepo family of Isikan in Akure.
He said “It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing on the presentation of High Chief Adeyeye Henry Gbenga as the new Iralepo of Isikan in Akure South Local Government.
He said “It is important to re-emphasize that the late Iralepo of Isikan was a Quarter Chief and an active member of the Deji in-council until his death following the approval of his inclusion alongside the Osolo of Isolo, High Chief Edward Adejoyegbe Adewole by the Deji of Akure on 8th June, 2020.
“It is pertinent to clarify that the new Iralepo of Isikan is being installed as a Quarter Chief and the Head of Isikan Community in Akure and not a Traditional Ruler.
“You might have heard of the rumor flying around on the purported nomination of an Iralepo other than the one appointed by His Imperial Majesty who is empowered both traditionally and legally to make such appointment.
“The Palace wishes to urge you and the general public to disregard the move by some individuals who wants to make it look as if there is crisis.
“It is a mere joke taken too far as it has no place in the eyes of the law. It can only exist within the figment of the imagination of those behind such moves.
“With all sense of modesty, there is no ambiguity on the status of the Iralepo of ISIkan and Osolo of Isolo in Akure as the Court of Appeal in his judgment dated 6th March, 2012 with the suit case CA/B/ 129/2005 had laid it to rest.
“In the lead judgment of Justice Chinwe Eugenia Iyizoba, he affirmed that “they cannot be granted a status of an Oba without the sanction of the Deji of Akure Kingdom”.
“Justice Kudirat Montonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun and Justice Moore A.A Adumein also affirmed same.
“Gentlemen, we also briefed you when the supreme court made a pronouncement on this matter in a unanimous judgment made on 28‘h June, 2019 which affirmed the position of the Appeal Court.
“It is pertinent to state that the Deji despite all the Judgments remains magnanimous in victory and had since extends the olive branch as a father to all.
“We wish to state emphatically without any iota of contradictions that there is no crisis on the installation of new Iralepo of Isikan as the Deji remains the only appointing and consenting authority for the appointment of Minor Chiefs, Olus, Baales and Olojas in all Akure Land.
“The appointment of the new Iralepo of Isikan therefore remains the prerogative of the Deji as no other person or institution(s) could exercise such either directly or through proxies.
“His Imperial Majesty congratulate the good peeple of Isikan and wishes the new Iralepo of Isikan good health and God’s guidance as he steers the affairs of the Isikan Community.”
Report says Prince Ojo was selected ahead of 4 other princes on thursday October 21, 2021.
It was gathered that Secretary to Akure south local government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua led local government officials to conduct the selection while 12 Kingmakers participated in the selection exercise.
It was also gathered that Prince Gbenga Ojo scored 7 votes to defeat Prince Gbenga Henry Adeyeye with 4 votes, Prince Ademola Adekanbi Obe Nil, Prince Michael Ajibola Obadunjoye Awelewa 1 and Prince Babatope Ojo had Nil.
