Following a court order restraining Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke from official presentation of instrument of office to the new Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the state government has postponed the event till further notice.
Governor Adeleke had in March this year approved the appointment of Oba Oyelakin after deposing Oba Raphael Ponle, who was installed by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022, on the ground that the appointment did not follow due process.
The situation led to the two monarchs laying claim to the throne with their different supporters, thereby dividing the town along loyalty lines.
However, Justice Michael Awe of the Osogbo High Court, through an ex-perte order, restrained the state government from official presentation of instrument of office to Oba Oyelakin after Oba Ponle, through an interlocutory injunction, asked the court to stop the process pending the determination of the substative suit, whose hearing will commence on Wednesday, May 8.
Reacting to the development through a statement on Saturday, the Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said Adeleke has respect for rule of law and will abide by the court order that restrained him from presenting staff of office to Oba Oyelakin.
“Osun State Government has postponed until further notice the formal presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the newly appointed Aree of Iree.”
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“Following an Osun State High Court’s Ex-Parte ruling presided over by Hon Justice M. O. Awe against the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the Aree of Iree, the government wishes to implore the monarch and the good people of Iree to remain calm and be law-abiding.
“We want to state unequivocally that the status quo remains as the presentation of staff and instrument of appointment that would have been held today, 4th May, 2024, is mere ceremonial and does not in any way invalidate the earlier approval granted Oba Oyelakin as the substantive Aree of Iree as approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke-led Osun State Executive Council,” the statement reads partly.
