By: Adeboye Ado
The joy of both indigenes and non indigenes knew no bound on Wednesday, as Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, presented staff of office to the new Onirun of Irun-Akoko, Oba. Samuel Bayode Agboola, Akulojuorun III.
Irun Akoko, an agrarian community, was without Monarch for over 10yrs after the demise of Late Oba Williams Adewusi, who joined his ancestors November 11, 2011.
At the official presentation of the instrument of office and Staff of office to the new monarch held at Omolore High school in Irun-Akoko, Governor Akeredolu said despite successive administrations in the state, it was disheartened that the community experienced interregnum for an elongated period.
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, noted that the period of interregnum retarded the growth of the community, hence, the need to unanimously reinvigorate Irun-Akoko becomes necessary, urging stakeholders who might have expressed repugnance to bury the hatchet of the past.
He also clarified against claims that the State Government deliberately delayed selection process of installing new Monarchs in some communities, adding that such climes refused to jettison parochial interest, litigations which he said, have culminated into crisis.
Akeredolu further said his administration was irrevocably committed to the peace of residents and would not toy with the prevailing tranquility.
The governor, however, urged Oba Samuel Agboola to see his appointment as a seldom privilege, noting that he (the Monarch) was expected to tread the path of patriotism, diligence, determination and work for the wellbeing of the people.
Echoing him, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Segun Odusanya, charged the cheerful revellers to see the Coronation of the King as an harbinger of better times to come.
Odusanya who expressed optimism that the new Onirun would take the community to an enviable height, advised residents to be law abiding and be model of chastity.
On his part, the Local Government Chairman of Akoko North West Local Government, Elder. Ayo Akande, maintained that the selection process that produced the 39th Onirun of Irun, devoid acrimony, uncultured practices and animosity.
The Council Boss disclosed that somewhat disagreement that earlier arose was greeted with unfeigned affection from all parties involved in the selection processes.
In his majestic response, Oba. Agboola extolled the Governor for bringing the Obaship tussle to a conclusive close in line with the wishes of the people.
The new Onirun also lauded the Akeredolu-led administration for various timely interventions aimed at creating a sustainable environment for all and sundry.
Some of the dignataries at the event are, Executive Chairman of Akoko Southwest Local Government who is also the State ALGON Chairman, Hon Augustine Oloruntogbe as well as SSA to Governor on Youths and Students Affairs, Hon Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, Hon Gani Daudu and others.
Traditional Rulers at the event are, Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Owa of Ogbagi-Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona, Kalasuwe of Apoi land, Oba ( Prof ) Adejimola Amuseghan, Oloyin of Oyin-Akoko, Oba L.O Bamisile and others.
