Kazeem Owoseni
An Osun State Civil Society Group, World Institute of Peace had on Friday, called out the governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, to stop playing politics with the traditional institutions in Yoruba land.
The group which described Adeleke’s action in putting installation process of some traditional rulers in the state on hold, as a misplaced priority, insisted that the governor should reinstate them as a matter of urgency.
It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke signed an executive order, putting the installation of Owa of Igbajo, Akirun of Ikirun and Aree of Iree land on hold, shortly after his inauguration in November 2022.
The three traditional rulers were appointed by the immediate former Governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola towards the end of his administration in 2022.
However, upon the inception of office, the administration of the current governor alleged that the installation of the monarchs did not follow due process, and however, hindered them from functioning.
Reacting through a statement issued by its Executive Director, Lamina Omotoyosi on Friday, described the action of the Osun State Governor as a misplacement of duty.
According to Omotoyosi who revealed that it is the role of the judiciary to nullify the installation process of a king, no governor in the state had ever dethroned a king.
“There are several cases of kingship tussle in court before Adeleke was sworn in as governor including that of his hometown, Timi of Ede who celebrated 15 years on the throne, Ataoja of Osogbo.
“No past governor in the state has ever dethroned or suspended a king due to the installation process. Adeleke should learn from history and let the judiciary decide.
“The governor ought to appeal to the aggrieved parties in the affected communities to allow court processes and beef up security apparatus in the areas and give warning to anyone who may want to cause trouble. Adeleke displayed executive power in the manner that his action can only be described as a sentiment,” he started.
He added that “Adeleke should simply know that those kings were installed within the context of the constitutional right of the former governor.
“He should stop playing politics with Yoruba tradition.
“The governor should allow for the reinstating of the monarchs concerned.
“Be it as it may, it is highly ridiculous for the government of Osun State, the cradle of Yoruba land, to interface with the construct of its traditional rulers.”