Osun: Tension Brews in Ekosin as Ruling Houses Protest New Akosin’s Appointment
Osun: Tension Brews in Ekosin as Ruling Houses Protest New Akosin’s Appointment
By Matthew Eloyi
Members of the ruling houses in Ekosin, a town located in Osun State, have voiced their opposition to the appointment of Kasali Olagunju as the new Akosin of Ekosin, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke not to present him with the Staff of Office.
Olagunju’s appointment was made by the immediate past Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola. However, shortly after assuming office, Governor Adeleke halted all appointments made by his predecessor, particularly those relating to traditional rulers.
Despite this directive, Olagunju was among the few monarchs permitted to retain their positions following an investigation by a government committee into Oyetola’s chieftaincy appointments.
Addressing the issue at the Government Secretariat in Abere, spokesperson for the protesters, Kabiru Adewale, implored Governor Adeleke to allow the court to adjudicate the controversies surrounding the Akosin chieftaincy dispute.
Adewale stated, “The three ruling houses from which Akosin is selected are Oyesoji, Oyerinde, and Niniola. But Kasali Olagunju is not from any of these three houses. Therefore, he is not fit to be crowned as Akosin. We implore the government not to allow anyone to oppress us, as it is the turn of Niniola Ruling House to present a candidate for the stool.”
However, in response to the protesters’ claims, counsel for Ekosin kingmakers, Mr Yemi Abiona, refuted their assertions in a statement issued on Saturday.
Abiona clarified, “The selection, election, and appointment of Oba Kasali Omotayo Olagunju on 13th November 2022 was greeted with jubilation within Nyabilolu Ruling House and in Ekosin town as a whole. There have been celebrations by different groups in the town to celebrate the emergence of an Akosin of Ekosin and are eagerly looking forward to the inauguration and presentation of staff of office by the Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.”
He further urged the state government and the people of Osun State to disregard the allegations made by what he described as a “disgruntled minority” within the Nyabilolu Ruling House, emphasizing that legal matters pertaining to the chieftaincy had already been instituted in the Osun State High Court.
