The Osun State Government has invalidated the selection of Mr. Gboyega Famodun, a former APC Chairman, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area. Additionally, the appointment of Mr. Raphael Ademola of Iree town in Boripe Local Government has been nullified, and the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Government has been declared vacant, awaiting the outcome of a case before the Court of Appeal.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, announced this decision in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo. The government’s action is based on the white paper reports submitted by the committee established by Governor Ademola Adeleke on Chieftaincy matters.
The statement clarified, “Osun State Government today released six white papers, five on various committees which investigated issues raised by the executive orders issued by Gov. Ademola Adeleke, at the inception of the administration in November 2022, as well as White Paper on Education Summit.”
The white papers, initially approved by the State Executive Council, were further ratified after a special committee review chaired by the governor. This move aligns with Adeleke’s commitment to ensuring due process, thorough consultation, and compliance with the rule of law.
The White Paper report nullifies all prior steps related to the installation of the Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo. An all-inclusive selection process for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo has been directed to commence immediately.
Specifically addressing the Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are urged to withdraw their lawsuit before the court to allow for the initiation of the selection process following due process and tradition.
On the Owa of Igbajo stool, the White Paper invalidates the previous selection process that resulted in Prince Gboyega Famodun’s appointment. It mandates an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee.
Regarding the disputed Akirun stool, the White Paper instructs the parties involved to await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal, keeping the stool vacant in the meantime.
The statement emphasized that the state government accepted the committee’s recommendation to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the Alawo Stool, as the case is currently pending.