August 15, (THEWILL) – The last has not been heard about the raging battle of supremacy between the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Iralepo of Isinkan , Oba Olugenga Ajimokunola. The two traditional rulers have resumed their hostility toward each other after they appointed two factional leaders to head the Aladodo community in Akure Ondo State.
Oba Ajimokunola appointed Charles Fatoki, as the Olu Alado of Aladodo community of Isinkan kingdom. While preparation for his official installation was going on, the Deji of Akure announced his own candidate, Adekunle Olumide as the new Olu Alado of Aladodo community. He made the announcement through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye. He pronounced the earlier appointment made by Oba Ajimokunola as null and void.
The act has caused some divisions within the community. The supremacy battle has been on for some years now and the two traditional rulers have gone to court over it. It all started after the Iralepo and Osolo, who are quarter chiefs, approached a High Court in Ondo State in 2005, seeking to be upgraded to chiefs. Their requests were granted by the court. They were also installed by the Ministry of Local Government and kingmakers as traditional rulers after the court injunction. However, the case was appealed in court.
The Appeal Court reversed the verdict of the High Court and reduced the ranks of the chiefs to quarter chiefs, also asking them to be subjects to the authority of the Deji of Akure. The aggrieved parties went back to the Apex court of the land in 2012, but their case was thrown out as lacking merit. The two quarter chiefs became members of the Deji-in-Council and prerogatives of the Deji of Akure.
The Supreme Court also ruled that the two chiefs cannot be granted the status of an Oba without the sanction of the Deji of Akure. In exercising his authority as the paramount ruler, Deji of Akure appointed High Chief Edward Adejoyegbe Adewole as the Osolo of Osolo. He wanted to nullify the appointment of Ajimokunola as the Iralepo of Isinkan but he was opposed by some kingmakers who insisted that he cannot go against the state government who were granted the authority to upgrade the status of the chief. The two traditional rulers have been at loggerheads since then.
About the Author
