The royal dispute in the Iree community, Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State, has taken a new turn since the advent of two monarchs.
According to The Nation, Osun state’s governor, Ademola Adeleke suspended Oba Ademola Ponle, who was initially appointed to the position by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, and formed a committee to review the nomination.
A new selection procedure, one year later, produced Prince Muritala Oyelakin of the Oyekun reigning house as the next Aare of Iree. The Oba-elect’s rites began on Friday, March 8, when he visited various locations in town with certain community leaders.
The Oba-elect went to Odofin’s residence (seclusion) and then left for other rites. According to the publication, during the ongoing rite, community leaders broke inside the seclusion home, which had been shut since the emergence of Oba Ponle.
Several gunshots were heard in the village, raising concerns during Oba Oyelakin’s traditional rites.
Commenting on the appointment of the new king, the head of kingmakers, Asalu of Iree, Chief Taiwo Oguntobi said; “I am the head of the traditionalists in Iree town, I am not part of the process for the selection of the new king appointed by the government.
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“The traditional rites for any king should commence from the deity that I am in charge of but nothing of such. They used cutlasses to break into the house of Odofin(seclusion) today. The family of Odofin were opposed to that.
“We, the representatives of the community who ought to be there are not present for any rites for the newly appointed king. If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin and Olu-Ode must be present.
“The Oogboni, Olosun group must be represented, including the six Iwarafara. But with this new king, nothing of such, none of these people were present.
“The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle, we all supported him. We have performed all rites for him any other person aside from him is fake. The rite that authenticates king has been given to Oba Ponle, and another one can’t be reproduced unless he dies.”
Oba Oyelakin on his own part said; “After the government appointed me, I entered the town yesterday, I came with many people into the town. I went round the town to register my presence. I informed the kingmakers. We started the rite at Asalu deity where all traditional chiefs were present including the Iwaramefa. I slept at one of the places of the rite with the chiefs from 10 pm to 10 am.
“The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community. The President of the Iree Progressive Union was also present. The rite was led by the Odofin of the town.
” I visited the Odofin house, but I did not enter, I just step my feet at the entrance three times. There was no crisis in town at all, and the residents were happy about my appointment. The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town.”
Oba Ponle also said; “I am the authentic king of Iree, I have all the instruments of office with me.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
