Coronation Anniversary: I Don’t Have Plan To Elevate Minor Chiefs, Cause Communal Strife- Olobu

The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II, has cleared air on the plans elevation of some Baale (Minor Chiefs) in disputed areas as being fabricated by those he described as fifth columinists .

Oba Olaniyan also debunked the allegations raised in some quarters that the planned 50th coronation anniversary was deliberately designed to foment unrest and instigate communal squabbles in the area.

The monarch, in a statement signed by Otun Jagun of Ilobu land and Spokesperson to Olobu of Ilobu & Olobu-in-Council, Chief (Barr.) Adegoke Ogunsola, and made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Thursday said there was no intention to elevate some minor chiefs during the coronation anniversary.

Olobu posited that the security report contained in the letter by CP Mohammed Abba Umar, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State, is not only predicated on false ‘’intelligence report’’, but also contains claims which were unfounded and fabricated by some fifth columinists that had with the aim of misleading the Osun State Police Command.

“The news that filtered in to Olobu of Ilobu, H.R.M, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II (J.P) and the people of Ilobu is that C.P. Mohammed Abba Umar, Commissioner of Police, Osun State has raised some security concerns in a letter with Reference No. CJ:4161/OSS/DFA/VOL.55/30 dated 14th May, 2024 and addressed to His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.

“In the letter under reference, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State claimed that the Osun State Police Command had received ‘’intelligence report’’ that Olobu of Ilobu is planning installation of new traditional heads (Baale) or/and elevation of the existing ones to the status of ‘’full beaded kings’’ during the grand occasion of the 50th coronation anniversary of Olobu of Ilobu, which is scheduled to hold on the 25 May, 2024.

“Olobu of Ilobu and Ilobu Community wish to clarify and inform the Government of Osun State, security agencies and the public that there is no plan by Olobu of Ilobu to install new traditional heads (Baale) or to elevate the existing ones to the status of ‘’full beaded kings’’ during the 50th coronation anniversary celebration.

“In addition, Olobu of Ilobu has not commenced any process in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State that will lead to the elevation of any of the minor chiefs (Baale) in his domain to the status of ‘’beaded kings’’ (recognized chiefs) as required by the Chiefs’ Law of Osun State.

“During the coronation anniversary, Olobu of Ilobu had concluded plans to honour some eminent Nigerians with chieftaincy titles, including the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, who is also the Asiwaju of Ede; Senator Olubiyi Ajagunla, the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Abuja; Engineer (Barr.) Kamorudeen Ajisafe, P.D.P Vice-Chairman (South West), who is an indigene of Erin-Osun; Jacob Adejare Oyegoke, an indigene of Ifon-Osun; Hon. Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, Osun State ALGON Chairman; Hon. Sikiru Ajibade, Chairman Irepodun Local Government, Ilobu.

“It is also not true that some unscrupulous elements will take the advantage of the anniversary to lunch attacks. However, to forestall any of such occurrences, adequate security arrangements are being made by Olobu of Ilobu and the 50th Coronation Anniversary Central Plannig Committee to ensure there is peace and tranquility and maintenance of law and order during and after the anniversary.H.R.M., Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II (J.P), Olobu of Ilobuand Ilobu Community assures the Governor of Osun State that there will be smooth celebration of all the events lined-up for the celebration of the reign of Kabiesi for fifty years by the Grace of God and the support of security agencies.”