.......As Olori Ebi Oleyo ruling house, Chief Oladapo Akanbi ask Alake of Egbaland Oba Aremu Gbadebo to back out from Iro Kingdom Crises
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
A fresh dimension has emerged in the lingering controversy surrounding the stool of the Oba of Iro Kingdom in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, as prominent traditional figures and stakeholders in the kingdom have publicly thrown their weight behind the incumbent monarch, Oba Najeemdeen Aromaye, insisting that he remains the legitimate ruler pending the determination of legal proceedings.
Speaking during an address on the matter, Chief Oladapo Akanbi Olusegun, 70, the Olori Ebi of Oleyo Ruling House in Iro Kingdom, described the ongoing dispute over the traditional stool as a matter that should not generate panic among residents, noting that legal battles over royal succession are not uncommon in traditional institutions.
According to him, the current disagreement over the throne should be allowed to follow due judicial process, as the matter has already advanced to the Court of Appeal.
Chief Olusegun, however, appealed to the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, to refrain from actions or associations capable of being interpreted as support for individuals seeking to remove the incumbent monarch from the throne.
He alleged that certain forces regarded as opponents of Iro Kingdom's current traditional leadership structure were making efforts to challenge the authority of Oba Aromaye and urged caution to avoid actions that could escalate tension within the community.
The traditional leader also called on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to intervene in the matter by directing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Hamzat, to thoroughly investigate the issues surrounding the controversy and question why Oba Aremu Gbadebo is supporting another person from Apetumata ruling house, while Oleyo ruling house is the legitimate ruling house according to declaration since 1965.
He said such intervention would help establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable in actions capable of destabilising the peace of the kingdom is held accountable.
Chief Olusegun further appealed to sons and daughters of Iro Kingdom to remain peaceful and avoid any action capable of causing unrest, he said
"The matter is already before the Court of Appeal and due process should be allowed to take its course. Oba Najeemdeen Aromaye remains the legitimate Oba of Iro Kingdom and there is no cause for alarm, the only person who pulled out from the Oleyo ruling house, Adeleke Oniyide who is late, the second person who seconded him in the case was not a member of Oleyo ruling house with undated letter." he stated.
In a similar submission, Chief Prince Adewale Oniyide, a member of the traditional council of Iro Kingdom, expressed concerns over what he described as contradictory developments surrounding the throne dispute.
According to him, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, had earlier approved Oba Najeemdeen Aromaye as the legitimate candidate to ascend the throne of Iro Kingdom.
Chief Oniyide said he was therefore surprised by what he termed an apparent shift in position regarding moves to challenge the monarch's authority.
He questioned why efforts would be made to consider another ruling house for succession while the incumbent king, who was duly installed, remains alive and on the throne.
He further argued that Oba Aromaye had been installed approximately 13 years ago in 2014 through the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs after due processes had been followed, stressing that the monarch was recognised as the rightful occupant of the royal seat, noting that if it was an Hausa or Ibo was presented by Oleyo ruling house he should be accepted since it was who the Oleyo ruling house presented, he appealed to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun CON to approach Oba Aremu Gbadebo to desist from causing any havoc in Iro Kingdom.
"Oba Najeemdeen Aromaye was installed by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs as the legitimate person worthy of the throne. Why should another ruling house now be asked to take over while the incumbent monarch is still alive? These are questions that deserve clear and honest answers," he said.
The development is expected to continue attracting attention from stakeholders across Ogun State as residents await the outcome of legal proceedings and possible intervention from relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, community leaders continue to urge calm among residents, insisting that peace and unity should prevail while the judicial process runs its course.
