Tension in Akungba-Akoko as Residents Protest Rumoured Imposition of Monarch

By Oluniyi Akintunde, Akure

The lingering crisis on the vacant stool of the Alale of Akungba-Akoko, Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State might jeopardize the peace and unity of the town if adequate and proactive security measures are not put in place.

Tension on Thursday pervaded the community as residents trooped out to protest rumoured imposition of an aspirant to the stool, Mr Sunday Adeyeye as the Alale by the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko at the twilight of his tenure.

CityMirrorNews gathered that Adeyeye was not nominated by the kingmakers, neither was he selected by the kingmakers to occupy the Alale throne.

The rumour generated rumpus in the town as supporters of Prince Oseni Isiaka Adu who had earlier been selected as the Alale of Akungba-Akoko by the kingmakers in the town protested against the rumour.

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Ikare-Akoko had in December, 2013 declared Prince Adu as the rightful person to occupy the vacant stool of the Alale, though the ruling is currently being challenged at the Court of Appeal, Akure.

In his reaction, Prince Adu said he has appealed to his supporters to allow peace reign in the town, saying the rumour was being carried by loyalists of Mimiko in the town.

He said: “The reason for this purported illegality is not farfetched. Some elements from the other side are restless and they have alleged me of pitching tents with Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu the Governor of our dear state and they believe my relationship with him will be an additional benefit for me, hence the need for them to spread the rumour.”

Prince Adu appealed to the state government to hasten action on his installation as the traditional ruler of the town based on the judgment delivered by the state High Court, Ikare on February 13, 2013.

He also called on the people of the town to remain calm and be law abiding pending the state government’s decision on the obaship issue in the town.