Akinrun Stool: ‘I’m Not Desperate to Become King, But If Destined, I Will Be’— Prince Tajudeen Gboleru

Prince Tajudeen Adesegun Adejumo Gboleru of the Daudu Kolawole ruling house has clarified that he is not desperate to ascend the throne of Akirun.

He said, if it is his destiny to ascend the throne of his forefathers he will surely get there.

He disclosed this shortly after a brief engagement with the family members and some youths of the community at his residence in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State.

Prince Tajudeen who was gleefully received by his lovers hinted that ascending Akirun traditional stool is not do or die affair, but a throne to serve people and the community at large.

While addressing the ongoing disputes surrounding the kingship and his family’s position on the matter, Prince Tajudeen maintained that he doesn’t have issues with other candidate from his ruling house, urging him to showcase his identity to the family rather than blackmailing and issuing a false statement.

According to him, his family was unfairly sidelined in the kingship selection process.

He said: “Before I left for Toronto, Canada, my parents made it clear that our family was next in line for the throne. Suddenly, we heard a new king had been installed without our knowledge. Claims that we refused to present a candidate are entirely false. We were never approached,” he explained.

Prince Tajudeen also raised concerns about a court case supposedly initiated by someone claiming to represent the Gboleru family, which he said has complicated the selection process.

“The government has asked us to settle a court case, but we don’t even know who initiated it. This individual, who calls himself Adeyemo Oyetunji, has been parading himself as a representative of our family, yet none of the elders know him,” he said.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, he urged the government to ensure transparency in the process.

“Whoever this Adeyemo is, he needs to come forward. The people have never seen him, and he’s not known to the Gboleru house. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no legitimate case involving our family in court. It feels like a staged program,” he added.

Despite the ongoing disputes, Prince Gboleru maintained that he bears no ill will towards any other candidates for the throne. “I’m not in a battle with anyone over this. If I’m the right person for the throne, then let the government do its due diligence. If not, that’s fine. I’m not desperate for the position, and I won’t resort to blackmail or deceit,” he said.

Reflecting on his background, Prince Gboleru shared his journey, emphasizing his humble beginnings and passion for community development.

He said: “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I worked my way up from a less privileged family to where I am today. I hold an MBA, run a microfinance bank, and have years of experience in finance. My focus has always been on helping the community, particularly by encouraging the youth to pursue education and better their lives,” he stated.

He also warned against attempts to tarnish his image, stressing that he would not remain silent if further falsehoods were spread about him.

“A closed mouth is a closed destiny. If you keep quiet too long, people might believe the lies. That’s why I’m speaking up now. If anyone tries to blackmail me directly, I will respond. Just because I choose not to fight doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing,” he concluded.

He urged family members to remain calm, saying osun state government is not relenting in its due process and thorough investigations to ensure the choice of the family and community emerge as the new Akinrun of Ikirunland.

A resident Idowu Adekunle expressed support for Prince Tajudeen Gboleru’s candidacy, saying, “We all know Gboleru is next in line, and we want him as our king. The government should ensure that the right person is installed.”

Recall that Governor Ademola Adeleke had sacked the Aare of Iree, Owa of Igbajo and Akinrun of Ikirun appointed by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on the ground that the selection process was marred with irregularities.

He, however, ordered the reappointment of Aare of Iree and Owa of Igbajo with halted action on Akinrun of Ikirun pending the determination of the Court of Appeal.

“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,” a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi read.