Panic as Aregbesola Okays Dauda Akinfalabi as Olowu

Fear and tension have pervaded residents of Orile-Owu in Ayedaade local government area of Osun state following the approval of Alhaji Dauda Ajolola Akinfalabi as the new Olowu by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

According to a statement by the Director of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Olanlawon, Governor Aregbesola has approved the appointment of Akinfalabi as the new Olowu of Orile Owu in Ayedaade South Local Council Development Area with effect from Tuesday, August 2, 2016.

The statement said the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, had passed the instrument containing the approval of the Governor to the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.

A court sitting in Ikire, Ayedaade local government area of Osun state, on Friday July 15, 2016, ordered Governor Rauf Aregbesola to install Prince Akinfalabi after five years of legal tussle.
Not satisfied with the judgement, the defendants immediately filed a stay of execution and notice of appeal.

Justice Olubukola Ayoola, in the judgement, held that the descendants of Olatibonu of Apena’s compound in Orile-Owu are not eligible to be nominated or appointed to fill the vacant stool because they were not members of Lagbedu Ruling House.

However, in the notice of appeal signed by Counsel to the respondents, Mrs. Olateju Kolawole, the respondents sought an order of the court, setting aside the judgement of the lower court.

Since the death of Oba Moses Adesosu Adejobi of Afelele Ruling House on March 15, 2011, who died with his wife, Funmilayo, in a ghastly motor accident at Gbongan junction, Ibadan/Ile-Ife expressway, two persons from the same Ruling House had been locked in a battle of wits over who becomes Olowu of Orile-Owu.

The Governor’s approval came despite the stay of execution order filed by the aggrieved party and their supporters.