The Ondo State government has assured that it will remain transparent and neutral in the selection of Obas in the State.
While addressing stakeholders from Oba – Ile in his office in Akure, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, made it clear that the government has no vested interest in the selection of Obas, will continue to exhibit neutrality and uphold the wish of the people.
Amidu Takuro said the government only guides the selection process to ensure it follows due process but leaves the selection in the hands of the people they are to be ruled.
The Commissioner describes as untrue, rumours making the rounds that the government is trying to upturn the decision of the people and impose a candidate on Oba – Ile. He said the government will only set aside the decision of the Kingmakers when it is fraudulent and does not truly represent the tradition and wish the people.
Takuro disclosed that the Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has given a matching order that a thorough investigation be done on the matter and the wish of the people be followed. He assured that Oba – Ile will soon have an Oba, as the development and peace of the ancient town is the propelling force behind government actions.
In his remark, the Chairman Akure North Local Government, Hon. Johnson Ogunbolude said the State and Local Governments have been straight forward and transparent on the matter of the Selection of a new Oloba of Oba – Ile.
He advised the people to hold their Kingmakers responsible, not government, if there is a change in the Choice, the Ifa chose.
The Council Chairman, Hon. Ogunbolude Johnson said the political will is there, but the government is waiting for the Kingmakers to do the right thing.
One of the team lead that led a protest to the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ileowo Adedipe Damilola, the Adaja of Oba – Ile and Chairman of the Elegbe Family said the Choice of Prince Gbadebo Adeusi that was chosen by the Ifa Oracle and agreed upon at the Previous peace meeting held recently, was suddenly changed and this did not go down with them.
He said for there to be Peace in Oba – Ile, the One chosen by Ifa must be enthroned, as this is the long standing tradition of the ancient town.
Others that registered their displeasure and that of their families are: Ademehin Busuyi Samson, Comrade Fagbayigbo Idowu, Princess Oluwabusola Omodara and the Counselor Oba – Ile Ward 6, who doubles as a Prince, Hon, Fagoroyo Adesoye.
Convinced that the government means well and had been wrongly accused, the people unanimously apologized while Comrade Fagbayigbo Idowu moved the vote of thanks on behalf of the people.
Famakinwa Abooulwa,
Director Information.
