Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, has threatened to banish the two monarchs in Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area over incessant communal clashes.
Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh have been at loggerheads over control of the town.
Three curfews have been imposed on the town within eight months.
Several properties have been destroyed and lives lost in clashes between their loyalists.
Last week, Governor Akeredolu imposed a 24-hour curfew on the town after another clash led to killings and destruction of houses and vehicles.
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the Ondo commissioner for Information and Orientation, who spoke to journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2023, announced the decision of the Governor to banish the two monarchs if another clash occurs.
The Commissioner said that the State Government has relaxed the 24- hour curfew imposed on Ikare- Akoko, from 6pm to 6am.
She said the two Obas have been warned to comport themselves in line with the State Government decisions, adding that anything to the contrary might lead to their banishment.
Olateju said a five-member committee has also been set up to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.
“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.
“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale. The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja that is the bone of contention between the two Obas.
“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale or Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences,” she said.
Members of the committee are Bashorun Sehinde as Chairman; Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as member; Dr Tunji Abayomi as member; Mrs Oreoluwa Agbayewa member and Mr. Joseph Dele Adesanmi as Secretary.
‘Power must go to the South in 2023’ – Ondo’s Governor Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, of Ondo State, has said that it’s the turn of the South, to produce the next President for another eight years.
Akeredolu declared that the struggle for the Southern part of the country to produce the next President must continue until it is realised.
He said this in Akure on Thursday, December 29, 2022, while playing host to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
Amaechi was in Akure for the Presentation of staff of office to Chief Olu Falae as Olu of Ilu Abo, in Akure North Local Government Area.
Akeredolu particularly urged the people to vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the spirit of fairness and equality.
He explained that since President Muhammadu Buhari from the North is spending eight years, then it is the turn of the South to produce the next President for another eight years.
Eulogising Amaechi, the governor said that no loyalist of the APC can forget the principal role of Amaechi as Director-General of the party’s Presidential campaign in 2015.
He thanked the former minister for coming to Akure to honour Chief Falae, adding that the monarch has served Nigeria creditably well and the State is proud of him.
“Thank you for coming. Chief Falae has served this country creditably well, and we, in Ondo State, are very proud of him.
“He left from the bank, he became the Minister for Finance, and also served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So he has done his best and up till now, when he is less busy, he will find time to advice us”, the Governor said.
Earlier, Amaechi, had thanked Governor Akeredolu for recognizing and elevating Chief Olu Falae, describing him as one of the few Nigerian elites who is prominent, patriotic, and had served Nigeria diligently.
“Because of my campaign for Presidency, I knew Chief Olu Falae. We visited his house in Akure. So I came to visit Chief Olu Falae whom you have kindly recognized with the Panel report”, he added.
The former Minister for Transportation, lauded Governor Akeredolu for his leadership qualities and for always being at the fore front of good governance in the country.
Source: The Nation
