The Osun State government stands by its decision to dismiss certain traditional rulers," according to Governor's spokesperson Olawale Rasheed.
Rasheed clarified in a statement that "the government, in a recent White Paper, ordered new selection processes for the Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, nullifying their initial appointments."
The Akirun of Ikirun's throne was declared vacant, pending a Court of Appeal decision. Rasheed refuted "fake news suggesting a reversal of the decisions," emphasizing the government's commitment to "due process and the rule of law."
In response to the nullification, the Owa Oke-Ode Ruling Houses of Igbajo unanimously contested the re-selection order, asserting it contradicted Igbajo's customs.
They insisted on the legitimacy of "Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun, selected in accordance with Chieftaincy Law in 2022," and highlighted ongoing legal challenges to the selection. The ruling houses urged the government to preserve the town's peace, emphasizing "the sanctity of Igbajoland's tradition and culture during the Owa of Igbajo's installation."
