The removal of Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Oluponle by Governor Ademola Adeleleke of Osun State on the first day in office has caused rift among various groups in the community.
Oba Oluponle was among the three monarchs suspended from their thrones by Governor Adeleke on Monday shortly after he was sworn in.
While the Iree Council of Elders, Iree Progressive Association and Olubonku Ruling House, declared support for Gov. Adeleke’s decision, Pa Micheal Fajinmi, on behalf of five ruling houses in Iree, kicked against the suspension of Oba Oluponle.
The Asiwaju of Iree, Engr. Ade Afolabi and the National President of Iree Progressive Association (IPA), Engr. Oluwole Taiwo, explained in a statement that the governor’s decision would bring sanity to the Iree, a community in Boripe North Local Government Area of Osun.
They appealed to Governor Adeleke to properly investigate how the Aree emerged as the traditional ruler.
They argued that Boripe North Local Development Area did not follow due process in selecting Prince Oluponle from among other contestants.
“According to custom and tradition, Iree has six kingmakers known as Afobajes (Iwarẹfa Mẹfa). Their primary assignment is to elect a new Ọba (tradition ruler) when the incumbent joins his ancestors.
“The kingmakers include the Eesa, the Ọjọmu, the Ọsọlọ, the Aogun, the Inurin and the Jagun. All these king makers, except the Eesa, are still actively alive today, but were not consulted,’’ they stated.
They also said Iree indigenes rejected the use of warrant chiefs to nominate the traditional ruler, contrary to custom.
“The elders observe that the use of warrant chiefs to elect an oba is alien to Iree custom and tradition.
“It is equally worrisome that the procedure of jettisoning the authentic kingmakers may likely stall the growth and development of the town,’’ they stressed.
They appealed to the governor to disregard anyone calling for the reinstatement of the Aree.
The Olubonku Ruling House in Iree praised Governor Adeleke for suspending Oba Oluponle.
Spokesperson of the house ruling , Prince Ali Afolabi, said the Oba Oluponle’s suspension had saved Iree from a crisis that might engulf the town following the imposition of Oba Oluponle.
He argued that before the selection of Oluponle, the kingmakers had instituted a suit at an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, asking the court to stop the immediate past administration from appointing warrant chiefs.
Countering the others, Pa Micheal Fajinmi, on behalf of five ruling houses in Iree, said the community is peaceful and orderly and urged Gov. Adeleke to allow the town to enjoy the breath fresh air with the new king.
He told the governor to ignore politicians who were misleading him for selfish interests on the appointment of the Aree.
Pa Fajinmi said the desire of the people of Iree was to have an oba who would preside over the affairs of the town with the fear of God and the love of the community.
He said God had provided Oba Ademola Rapheal Oluponle for the town and drew the attention of the governor to on-going litigations at the Ikirun High Court which, he said established that no court order or process was abused as at Nov. 7, 2022 when the Oba Oluponle was appointed.
