Chiefs and princes from the two ruling houses in Ipetumodu, Osun State, have expressed support for the state government’s decision to depose Joseph Oloyede, whose stool was declared vacant by Governor Ademola Adeleke following his conviction in the United States.
Adeleke had on Monday approved the deposition of the monarch.
The princes from the Aribile and Fagbemokun ruling houses, who spoke with Punch in Ipetumodu on Thursday, commended the governor and the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Ireyode Oyewusi, for what they described as a timely intervention to protect the integrity of the Apetu stool.
In separate remarks, Olaboye Ayoola from the Aribile Ruling House and Adewole Oyetunde said the community was unhappy over the circumstances surrounding Oba Oloyede’s conviction but maintained that the interest of the town remained paramount.
The princes also declared their support for Adeleke and Oyewusi following the declaration of the stool as vacant.
It was gathered that Ayoola had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum to the state government during a press conference organised by the princes, demanding that the stool be declared vacant.
He had also reportedly threatened that the community might withdraw support for Adeleke and Oyewusi in future elections if the government failed to act on the request.
Reacting to the development, Ayoola stated that the governor and the deputy speaker had met the expectations of the people of Ipetumodu.
Ayoola commended Adeleke and Oyewusi for what he described as the mature manner in which they handled the community’s demand for the declaration of the Apetu stool as vacant.
He also praised Oyewusi, whom he described as an indigene of Ipetumodu, for ensuring that the concerns of the community were properly presented to the governor.
According to him, the community received assurances during a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, who was directed by Adeleke to handle the matter.
Ayoola further disclosed that the community was informed during the meeting that the governor had approved the construction of a major road linking Ipetumodu to the toll gate.
He also said residents were informed that the modern hospital facilitated for Ipetumodu during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari would soon commence operations after the deployment of personnel and other necessary support by the state government.
Ayoola added that the people of the town would continue to support Adeleke and Oyewusi for the roles they played in managing the agitation surrounding the Apetu stool.
Speaking in a similar vein, Oyetunde of the Fagbemokun Ruling House stated that the community would continue to cooperate with the state government in addressing issues arising from Oba Oloyede’s incarceration in the United States.
He added that the town had remained peaceful since the declaration of the stool as vacant and that residents were fully in support of the government’s action.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the Mosala of Ipetumodu, Adebanjo Oyetunde, disclosed that the chiefs had fully taken charge following the declaration of the stool as vacant.
He stated that the chiefs would continue to work with the princes to ensure peace in the community, while also commending Adeleke and pledging the town’s continued support for his administration.
About nine months after his conviction in the United States, Adeleke earlier this week formally deposed Oba Oloyede, who was jailed over tax fraud and money laundering offences.
The state government stated that the decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by an Ohio court convicting the monarch.
Punch
