Crisis looms as parallel monarch emerges in Ondo Community

Ondo State Capital, Akure.

The traditional ruler of Akungba in Akoko South West Local Council of Ondo State, Oba Sunday Isaac Adeyeye, has appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to avert an impending crisis in the community.

His appeal followed the installation of Isiaka Oseni as a parallel monarch in the town, a development that may lead to a major crisis in Akungba, host to the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA).

Oba Adeyeye, who is the Alale of Akungba Akoko, had petitioned the state government over Oseni’s activities, which he said may plunge the community into civil unrest.

In his petition to the state government, copies of which were sent to security agencies, chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chairman, Akoko South West Council, he alleged that 21 persons have been conducting themselves in ways likely to cause a breach of the peace in Akungba.

Meanwhile, the Appeal Court sitting in Akure, had upheld the decision of an Ikare-Akoko High Court that recognised Oseni, as being entitled to the throne of Alale of Akungba.

The Guardian learnt that Oseni, a prince of the Ole Ruling House, having emerged earlier as Alale-elect, had been challenged in court.

But Justice Mohammed Danjuma in his judgment held that “an eligible candidate for an election to a throne is an entitled and bona fide member.

“The entirety of the evidence led by the appellants as plaintiffs did not prove their claims; to the contrary, the counter claim was proved and rightly granted.”

Oba Adeyeye stressed that he was presented with staff of office as the Alale of Akungba-Akoko on February 23, 2017, having defeated other contenders to the throne including Oseni.

He lamented that Oseni in contesting for the throne of Alale of Akungba had on December 21, 2017 proclaimed himself the Alale of Akungba in defiance to the traditions of the town and all known legal precepts of Nigeria.