Olufon stool: Royal family assures of fair process

The Olufon Ruling House in Osun State has dispelled the rumours that the Osun State Government is planning to announce the appointment of a new Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom.

According to Daily Post, the elders of the five ruling houses which constitute the Olufon Ruling House; Orisatoyinbo, Moronfolu, Oluyeyin, Olumoyero and Odunolu royal families dispelled the rumour in a statement on Friday in Osogbo.

In a press statement issued by them, they called on residents and citizens of the town to remain calm.

It said, “Our attention has been drawn to a rumour circulated in the public about ongoing plans to announce and install a new Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom that has been vacant since April 2021; this followed recent decision of the Osun State Government to announce the approval of Akinrun of Ikirun and 9 other monarchs. Therefore, it has become very necessary to douse the generated tension arising from the rumours on the purported announcement of a new Olufon of Ifon-Orolu.

“We hereby wish to state as follows: The matters relating to the process of filling the vacant Olufon of Ifon-Osun stool are still pending before Osun State High Court and getting proper attention.

“There is no way the Osun State Government can continue the process without concluding the referred litigation.

“The administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, the Executive Governor of Osun State is well known as a law-abiding with respect for traditional heritage. Thus, will not act contrary to the position of law.

“None of the royal family members are presently involved in the process of filling the vacant Olufon Royal stool. However, the subsisting Court Order is still in force.

“The rumours of purported underground plans to continue the process of filling the vacant Olufon stool is the handiwork of enemies of the government and that of the Olufon Royal Family at large.”

The rumor surfaced on Wednesday, two days after the state administration named a new Akinrun of Ikirun and nine other monarchs.

According to reports, young people in Ikirun town demonstrated against Prince Yinusa Olalekan Akadiri’s selection as the Akinrun on Wednesday.

The state government of Osun State had declared Prince Yinusa Olalekan Akadiri to be the Akinrun of Ikirun following the weekly meeting of the executive council.

Also, on Thursday during a radio current affairs programme, Rasaq Adeosun, the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said the appointment of the Akinrun and other kings followed due process.

He also said that the appointments followed extant Chiefs Law in the state.

Defiant youngsters have also blocked the entrance to the Akinrun Palace with a variety of charms, while protests are still ongoing in Ikirun town, where Nigerian Police officers have reportedly opened fire on demonstrators.