The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke on Thursday, January 18, sacked three monarchs in the state.
During his swearing-in on November 28th 2022 the Governor issued Executive orders suspending about 30 monarchs, stating that their appointments were made wrongfully at the twilight of the administration of his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke set up a committee chaired by Bunmi Jenyo to investigate the issues surrounding the appointments made by Oyetola, especially on the appointment of Owa of Igbajo, Are of Iree and Akirun of Ikirun.
Fourteen months later, Adeleke released White Paper, sacking the three embattled monarchs including, Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, Are of Iree, Oba Ademola Ponle and Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri.
In a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, Governor Adeleke announced the release of the White paper.
He noted that the governor ratified the White Papers, which had previously received approval from the State Executive Council, following a comprehensive review by a special committee chaired by Governor Adeleke.
He said this process aligns with the Governor’s commitment to ensuring due process, thorough consultation, and adherence to the rule of law.
“On the report on the chieftaincy matters chaired by Honourable Bunmi Jenyo, the white paper overwhelmingly prioritized compliance with legal requirements as a basis for final decisions. By the report of the White Paper, all previous steps taken in relation to the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stands nullified.
“And that all-inclusive selection process (es) for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, respectively, should commence immediately. Specifically on Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the Court to allow for the commencement of the selection process in line with due process and tradition.
“And on the stool of Owa of Igbajo, the White Paper nullified the previous selection process, which produced Prince Gboyega Famodun and directed an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee. On the disputed Akirun stool, the White Paper directed that the parties await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal. And that the stool remains vacant.”
Alimi added that the Government has directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of government vehicles carted away by officials of the Gboyega Oyetola administration.
“Meanwhile, the State Government has also directed the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment to publish the six white papers in the official government gazette. Members of the public interested in acquiring and possessing copies of the white papers should approach the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, State Secretariat, Osogbo.”