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Tag: Deji of Akure

  • I remain ‘prescribed authority’ in appointing minor chieftaincy titles, Deji of Akure declares

    I remain ‘prescribed authority’ in appointing minor chieftaincy titles, Deji of Akure declares

    The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has reaffirmed his position as the prescribed authority in the appointment of minor chiefs across Akure land, including communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    His declaration followed accusations by the Oloba-in-Council, led by Regent Princess Adefoluke Agunbiade-Adu, that the Akure monarch was interfering in their chieftaincy matters and attempting to annex Owode, Araromi, and Eleyowo communities.

    Addressing journalists on Monday in Akure, Oba Aladelusi revealed that he has the prerogative to appoint minor Chiefs in four communities headed by the ‘Olus’ in the Akure North LGA of the state.

    The Akure monarch, who spoke through his spokesman, Michael Adeyeye, stated that the state government has settled the issue of prescribed authority through the issuance of a letter dated August 1999.

    He stressed that government circulars and court rulings had long settled the matter, citing a 1999 state circular and a 2007 government directive, both of which recognised the Deji’s authority to appoint minor chiefs in Akure North and South LGAs of the state.

    “For avoidance of doubt, it is on record that the state government had settled the issue of prescribed Authority through the issuance of circular No. CD/C.6/9/20/96 dated the 19th of August, 1999, which was addressed to the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Late Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade.

    “For the umpteenth time, the Deji remains the prescribed authority in the appointment of minor Chiefs in Akure North Local Government.

    “Without mincing words, only the Deji has the prerogative to appoint minor Chiefs in Owode, Eleyowo, Araromi, and other communities of Akure North and South,” he said.

    According to him, “the state government also settled the matter of consenting authority again through a circular letter CD/C6/9/20/I/VOL.III/134 to all chairmen of local government councils and chieftaincy committees dated 16th January, 2007.

    “The letter stated that the fact that two local government councils have been created out of Akure Local Government does not infringe on the consenting Authority of the Deji of Akure over areas traditionally and historically under his control before the creation of Akure North Local Government.”

    The monarch also referenced rulings by Justice W.A. Akintoroye (2018) and Justice A. Osadebay, which affirmed the Deji’s status as both consenting and prescribing authority over minor chieftaincies in Akure North.

    He added that the Court of Appeal also upheld the two judgments.

    Oba Aladelusi specifically cited the judgment of Justice Akintoroye of the state high court, which dismissed the suit challenging the authority of the Deji of Akure in a suit no: AK/28/2017 over the appointment of minor chiefs in Akure North LGA dated March 28, 2018.

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    “The court in its judgment, held that, from time immemorial, the entire Akure Land has been under the hegemony of the Deji of Akure. By virtue of his said position, the Deji was the paramount ruler over the entire Akure land, as well as being the consenting authority over all minor chiefs, Olus, and Baales under him.

    “That prior to the bifurcation of Akure Local Government, the Deji of Akure by virtue of his position is the prescribed authority, was empowered traditionally and in law to appoint and consent to the appointment of minor chiefs within the land, not minding the bifurcation of the old local government into Akure North and South.

    “The Appeal court had unanimously upheld the two decisions of the lower court in separate judgments.”

    He, however, kicked against the claim of the Oloba in-council that the Obagbeyi was the son of Oloba and the first Deji of Akure, saying the distortion by the community exposed the desperation to cover up a known truth.

    “We need to educate them on the fact that Obagbeyi Adegbite, who ruled between 1313-1363, was the 11th Deji of Akure and was only related maternally to the Oloba. Obagbeyi was the Son of Otemoye, who ruled between 1277-1287 as the 7th Deji of Akure.”

  • Ondo monarch orders closure of markets

    Ondo monarch orders closure of markets

    Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, has ordered the closure of all markets, shops, and stalls in observance of the age-long tradition of the annual Amole Festival.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo said it was in with the tradition and culture of Akureland.

    A statement by his chief press secretary, Adeyeye Michael, said only Pharmacy shops were exempted from the closure during the festival.

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    “Without mincing words and for the sake of emphasis, we wish to inform residents that no shop, market, stall, community, or quarter within the Akure metropolis will be exempted under any guise from observing this festival.

    “Consequently, we urge all Traditional Rulers and Quarter Chiefs to ensure strict compliance with the observance of this festival within their respective domains.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.

    “The Palace wishes to appreciate the State Government and the entire Security agencies for their understanding and cooperation in ensuring the preservation of our revered culture and tradition,” the statement read.

  • LAFFMATTAZZ: Deji of Akure attends comedy show on June 12

    ONDO, the Sunshine State was lit up recently as rave-making comedy show, Laffmattazz, delivered premium entertainment to residents of the state capital on Tuesday, June 12th.

    Sponsored by Maltina, the comedy show which held at D Dome, Akure witnessed the presence of important personalities like the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, as well as A-list actors, music artistes and comedians.

    Guests were treated to performances by some of the country’s biggest comedians and artistes including Omobaba, Koffi, Woli Agba, Kenny Blaq, Peteru, Woli Arole the prophet, CDQ, Small Doctor, Slimcase, Reminise, and a host of others.

    There were also exciting side attractions like fun games, lucky dips, spinning the wheel, where lucky consumers got the chance to win items like a phone, generator, TV, Standing Fan, Maltina goody bags, and other mouth-watering prizes, courtesy the official sponsor of the show, Maltina.

    One of the lucky winners who walked away with a brand new LED TV said: “I honestly didn’t expect it! I’m so excited to have won this TV, and I can’t wait to go home and tell my family. Thank you, Maltina. Please come back to Akure next year!”

    The laffmattazz train is expected to move to Ilorin and Abeokuta on Ileya Day and Independence Day respectively to share even more happiness.

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  • Peace Corps happy over bill’s passage

    The Nigeria Peace Corps in Ondo State has expressed its gratitude to the National Assembly over the passage of the Peace Corps Bill into law by the 8th National Assembly.

    The Commandant of the corps in the state, Tobi Alawoke, spoke on Thursday in Akure during a road walk to express its gratitude to the National Assembly.

    The men of the command had trekked from their Alagbaka office to the Deji of Akure’s palace.

    The functions of the corps include promoting social and economic development as well as empowering youths through job creation.

    The Senate had on Nov. 24 passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill into law.

    Alawoke, who was represented by his deputy, Kayode Poroye, said the corps had deemed it fit to demonstrate its appreciation to the National Assembly.

    “We are also here for a thank you visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi. We will contribute our own quota and discharge our duties,” he said.

    Oba Aladelusi, in his remarks, advised the corps to shun corruption within its ranks.

    “My advice is that you don’t allow corruption in the organisation and you will succeed.

    “ Corruption is eroding the country badly.

    “Everybody wants to become rich through the backdoor. If you add corruption to your job, there won’t be peace.

    “It is because of corruption that we have kidnapping and other vices in the country. Bring peace to Nigeria, maintain the peace of God as it will help you to succeed.

    “I know the president will assent to the peace corps bill very soon,” he said.

  • Monarch to Deji of Akure: you can’t suspend me

    A sinigbo of Isinigbo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State Oba Samuel Elewuju yesterday said the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade-Aladelusi, has no authority to suspend him./

    Oba Aladetoyinbo, in a letter dated September 9, suspended Elewuju from office.

    The Asinigbo was alleged to have conducted himself in a manner that brought disrepute to the traditional institution.

    Elewuju was also accused of dishonouring invitation of the committees set up to investigate the allegations preferred against him by Ayetoro community.

    In his reply to the Deji’s letter, Oba Elewuju claimed he was not under the authority of the Akure monarch, saying the suspension order had no effect on him.

    The reply, written by Adeleye Rotimi on behalf of the 100-year-old traditional ruler, said: “As you may know sir, I am an Oba just as you are and under the supervision of Akure North Local Government.

    “My authority as an Oba is over Isinigbo and the people therein. I also have chiefs from different quarters of Isinigbo who assist me.

    “In view of the above, please note that I am not under your authority as I am not within Akure. Hence, I hereby state that your letter of September 9 is of no effect on me. My suspension is therefore null and void and of no effect.”

  • Monarch to Deji of Akure: You can’t suspend me

    Asinigbo of Isinigbo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state, Oba Samuel Elewuju, on Tuesday said the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade-Aladelusi, has no authority to suspend him as the traditional ruler of the community.
    Oba Aladetoyinbo had in a letter dated September 9, 2016, suspended the traditional ruler of Isinigbo from office.
    The Asinigbo was alleged to have conducted himself in a manner that brought disrepute to the traditional institution.
    Elewuju was also accused of dishonouring invitation of the committees set up to investigate the allegations preferred against him by the Ayetoro community.
    According to a copy of the suspension letter sent to the embattled monarch reads, “All these your actions have brought contempt and disrespect to His Imperial Majesty, Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land.
    “Consequently, you are hereby suspended and you are also stopped to parade yourself as the Olu of Isinigbo forthwith. I am to add that this suspension is with immediate effect.
    “A copy of this letter shall be sent to His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluwadare Agunbiade, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, who shall direct that your stipend is stopped forthwith.
    “A copy of this letter shall also be sent to the chairman, Council of Olus, Akure North Local Government Area, to declare your seat vacant for your deviant attitude to the revered institution of the Deji of Akure Land,” Oba Aladetoyinbo wrote in the letter.
    But in his reply to the Deji’s letter, Oba Elewuju claimed he was not under the authority of the Akure monarch, saying the suspension order had no effect on him.
    The reply, written by Adeleye Rotimi on behalf of the 100-year-old traditional ruler, said: “As you may know Sir, I am an Oba just as you are and under the supervision of the Akure North Local Government.
    “My authority as an Oba is over Isinigbo and the people therein. I also have chiefs from different quarters of Isinigbo who assist me in the smooth administration of the good people of Isinigbo.
    “In view of the above, please note that I am not under your authority as I am not within the Akure City. Hence, I hereby state that your letter of September 9, 2016 is of no effect on me. My suspension is, therefore, null and void and of no effect.”
  • Deji, Akure indigenes insist on producing next governor

    Deji, Akure indigenes insist on producing next governor

    Indigenes of Akure, the Ondo State capital, under the leadership of their monarch, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetotoyinbo Adelusi Odundun II, yesterday declared that the city must produce the next governor.

    They trumpeted their ambition at a reception for the traditional ruler and a distinguished son, Prof. Emmanuel Fauose, and his wife in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The reception was organised by the Ibadan Chapter of the Akure National Union (ANU).

    While addressing crowds of his subjects and some well wishers at the hilltop Premier Hotel, venue of the reception, the Deji said the four other divisions have produced governors except Akure.

    He emphasised that it was time for the division to produce the next person to succeed current Governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

    He said: “It is instructive and indeed regrettable that after 40 years of the creation of Ondo State, in spite of our intimidating credentials of electoral strength that is equal to none, only Akure Division is yet to occupy the Number One seat in the state.”

    According to him, the four other divisions – Akoko, Owo, Okitipupa and Ondo, have each produced democratically elected governors.

    Oba Adelusi also enjoined well-meaning natives of Akure Division to rise up to the new challenge and see the project as one that must be supported by all. “There is urgent need for us to imbibe the patriotic spirit. Let me lay emphasis on the fact that, with the help of the Almighty God, Akure will not settle for anything less than the governor of Ondo State as the build-up to the forthcoming election intensifies.”

    The monarch, who said sentiment or emotion would not be allowed to override the collective interest of Akure, appealed to political parties to ensure that they consider the interest of Akure “while coming to conclusion on the office of the governor, in the spirit of fairness and equity.

    “They must consider picking our son or daughter as their candidate. Akure will only consider a political party as its friend if the party picks our son or daughter as its governorship candidate,” he said.

  • Deji of Akure to support College of Agriculture

    Deji of Akure to support College of Agriculture

    The Deji of Akure,  Oba Kole Aladetoyinbo, has called for renewed interest in agriculture.

     He made the call while receiving the management team of the College of Agriculture, Akure, who visited him.

    He said this would enable the nation to harness numerous benefits derivable from agriculture.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo promised to support the college.

    He appreciated the college management for the visit. He praised the Provost for his foresight and commitment to the institution, lauding the giant strides he achieved in the College.

    He urged the management team not to rest on their oars in ensuring that they position the college and the state on the map.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo promised to support the programmes and projects in the college.

    The provost of the college, Dr Samson Odedina, congratulated Oba Aladetoyinbo on his elevation to the exalted position. He told the king of the  programmes and projects ongoing at the institution. They include: international partnerships/collaborations for agricultural value chain projects for students and communities, improved college-neighbouring communities relations, profitable agribusiness investments, provision of employment opportunities for students and indigenes, agricultural vocational trainings.

    Odedina solicited the support of Oba Aladetoyinbo and the Akure Kingdom for the college.

  • ARG hails Deji of Akure

    ARG hails Deji of Akure

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has praised the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, for the forthrightness displayed in scrapping the unsubstantial title of Eze Ndigbo in Akure land, Ondo State.

    In a statement yesterday, the group said: “We want to say that this act will go down in the history of the Yoruba and among other ethnic groups as noble and needful.

    “Contrary to what many, particularly the mischief makers have been saying, this move has the potential to strengthen inter-ethnic relationship as it eliminates the friction points among ethnic groups, be it in Yorubaland or elsewhere.”

  • Deji of Akure gets staff of office

    Deji of Akure gets staff of office

    Oba Kole Aladetoyinbo yesterday received his staff of office as the 47th Deji of Akure.

    He succeeded the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida from Ojijigogun ruling house, who died in 2013 after ruling for three years.

    The monarch, who is from Osupa ruling house, promised to promote participatory traditional governance within the kingdom.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo said in the last 120 years, it had never been so stressful for kingmakers to choose among the 13 aspirants contesting for the throne.

    He declared his determination to promote peace, respect for constituted authority and the traditional institution.

    The Deji warned that he would not condone thuggery, disrespect for law and order or any act of violence in the city.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo added that the traditional institution would be used as an important agent of meaningful development.

    The monarch thanked Governor Olusegun Mimiko for his spirit of justice, equity and fairness in the selection process.

    Mimiko, who was represented by his deputy, Lasisi Oluboyo, said the occasion marked the beginning of a new era in Akure kingdom.

    He said his administration cannot pretend not to know the aspiration of the people and their yearning for a new traditional ruler.

    The governor said the process that led to Oba Aladetoyinbo’s emergence was fair, transparent and conformed to the guideline of the constitution.

    Mimiko urged the people to support the monarch in the discharge of his duties.

    The caretaker chairman of Akure South, Adebayo Alarapon, said with the emergence of the monarch, the Erekesan market will be re-opened and economic activities restored.

    He urged the youth to restrain from being used by disgruntled elements to foment trouble.