…..say Princess of late monarch should be Regent.
By: Oluwatosin Adesola
Indigenes of Ojo Ajowa – Akoko in Akoko North West Local Govt area of Ondo State have called Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to avert injustice in the appointment of new Regent and selection of new monarch for Ojo-Ajowa Akoko.
They alleged that officials of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of backing strangers to become the regent or king, while records and documents of the Olojo stool are declaring missing at the ministry.
alleging some government officials of backing some ‘assylum seekers’ who contest the stool of Olojo of Ojo Ajowa Akoko with the native people.
According to Baba Eto of Uro kingdom in Ojo -Ajowa, Chief Jacob Adegoke who addressed the newsmen on Tuesday in Akure said that Oba Obaro Akila was the first Olojo of Ojo with his people in 1700 – 1777 administrative arrangement put in place in the settlement referred to as Ojo.
He added that “thereafter, some people from different areas came to seek refuge in Ojo during the reign of the 3rd Olojo of Ojo, Oba Olaremu Fajuwon, 1778 -1838. They were granted assylum and were put in different locations round the seat of power at Aremu”.
“Oba Obaro Akila was a great warrior, hence, his settlement attracted people for protection. Aremu community has been producing Oba since time memorial”.
“Ironically, it is very spirit of accommodating latitude, this very emblem of expressive hearing which is now being used by interlopers to contest Ojo space with the Indigenous native people. So many lies are being packaging to justify their claims for joint ownership of Ojo space changing stories to justify their imaginary claims”.
“With their imaginary supporters in the ministry, documents in Olojo of Ojo chieftaincy file were removed. Sudden disappearance of some Ojo documents submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs”.
“Why should people and the Ministry of Local Government rely on sentiments when facts and evidences are available. We are relying on facts and evidences and not sentiments”.
“To all Aremu people, 17th of October, 2023 was a black day in the history of Ojo when a kangaroo declaration was illegally made to snatch away the right of the indigenous native people of Ojo”.
“The chieftaincy declaration made in 1957, registered on April 8, 1958 approved Awarinajo, Awarin Oji and Awarin Olofa as the 3 rulling houses”.
“When the last Olojo of Ojo departed to the great beyond, the 3 rulling houses met and selected his daughter as Regent in line with our age long custom and tradition”.
“The asylum seekers on our land are presenting a male regent outside the rulling houses and a certain people in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs are supporting this illegal move against our custom and tradition”.
Chief Adegoke alongside with two other elders, Mr Akinyemi Bolanle and Hon. Oluwasegun Ojo who spoke on behalf of the indigenes of the community, stressed that their tolerance of non-indigenes should not be taken for granted.
They, however, called on the state government to protect their regent, Princess Sarah Adewale, the daughter of the departed monarch of the town, Oba Timothy Adewale, who joined his ancestors in 2023, stressing that they don’t want male regent again.
They also appealed to the state government to follow the previous declaration in picking new Oba for the community.
“The people we accommodated are now contesting the Obaship with the indigenous native people. Why should people and the Ministry of Local Government rely on sentiments when facts and evidences are available. We are relying on facts and evidence and not sentiments..
“With their imaginary supporters in the ministry documents in Olojo of Ojo Chieftancy file were removed. Sudden disappearance of some of Ojo documents submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs.
“These are the documents in question; 1. The declaration made in 1957 l.e Olojo of Ojo Chieftaincy declaration of 1957 registered on April 8, 1958 which approved the following 3 ruling houses
(a) Awarinajo, (b) Awarin Oji and (c) Awarin Olofa
“The white paper on Morgan Chieftancy Review Commission Report which was approved by Ondo State Government Confirmed the Stated 3 Ruling Houses’
“The White Paper was on Morgan Report was contested. The substitutin Judgement in Suit No AK/106/86 which was decided by Hon. Justice E.A. Ojuolap when the agitations lost their case and were fined.
‘Frozen of the controversial declaration made on 17th Oct. 2022 and registered 3rd February, 2023 pending the determination of the suit in Court.
“Other areas that call for investigation is side supportive position of a director in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who openly said that the 1957 Olojo of Ojo Chieftaincy declaration, judgement in the suit No AK/105/85 and Morgan Report white paper have been rendered useless after the demise of Oba Timothy Adewale (the just passed away Oba) to the embarrassment of all Aremu People, more so being a senior officer in the ministry, neutrality is supposed to be the position.
“When the last Olojo of Ojo departed to the great beyond, the 3 Ruling Houses met and selected his daughter as Regent in line with our age long custom and tradition.
“The asylum seekers on our land are presenting a male Regent outside the Ruling Houses and a certain people in the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs are supporting this illegal move of a director in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who openly said that the 1957 Olojo of Ojo Chieftaincy declaration, Judgment in the Suit No;- AK/106/86 and Morgan Report white paper have been rendered useless after the demise of Oba Timothy Adewale (the just passed away Oba) to the embarrassment of all Aremu people moreso being a Senior Officer in the Ministry, neutrality is supposed to be the position.
“When the last Olojo of Ojo departed to the great beyond, the 3 Ruling houses met and selected his daughter as Regent in line with our age long custom and tradition. The asylum seekers on our land are presenting a male Regent outside the Ruling Houses and a certain people in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs are supporting this illegal move against our custom and tradition.
“How can a tenant displace the legal owner of a house. To all Aremu people 17 October 2023 was a black day in the history of Ojo when a Kangaroo declaration was illegally made to snatch away the right of the indigenous native people of Ojo.
“Trust evidence more than nice words. The only thing that is true is evidence and action that speak clearly and loudly,” they said.
