Crisis Looms In Osun Community Over Planned Installation Of Oba

Trouble is brewing in Iwoye community of Oriade local government area of Osun State following the planned installation of a new Oniwoye of Iwoye by the council chairman, Hon. Bunmi Obeisun, allegedly without the approval of the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Though,he has not been officially presented with staff of office, it was learnt that Obeisun recently formalize the appointment by ‘raising the hands of Prince Adewunmi Ogidiolu as the new Oba’ at a ‘special event’.

According to some concerned stakeholders in the town, the selection of Ogidiolu “undermines the tradition of the Iwoye people, guidelines set aside for whoever is to ascend to the throne, processes incorporated at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the suggestion of His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on the issue.”

According to the petitioners, the gazette of the State of Osun, states that whoever will be the King of Iwoye must be 40 years old or above, hold a first degree from any University, maintain a reliable source of income amongt other requirements as stipulated in the gazette.”

They added that “It is, however, disheartening to note that, Prince Adewunmi Ogidiolu does not possess any of the above stated requirements for him to be King. He is a 35 years old holder of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). Then, one may be quick to ask that, why then, was he made a King. The reason is not far to seek.”

They alleged the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, Hon. Wole Oke, of conniving with the Chairman of Oriade local government, Mr Bunmi Obeisun against the Governor to install the King.

“Oke, in a bid to establish his influence in Oriade, is encouraging the local government Chairman to disobey the Governor just because he want to take control of Ward 4 in Oriade local government simply because of the population of the ward and the fact that, the people of this ward are highly politically inclined,” they added.