By Osagie Otabor, Akure
Youths in Akure, Ondo State, have told Mr. Adewumi Babalola to stop parading himself as a traditional ruler in the kingdom.
They said Adewumi constituted himself a security threat by declaring himself a traditional ruler with the title, Elekio 1.
Speaking yesterday at a news briefing in Akure, the youth, under the auspices of Akure Youth Coalition (AYC), said the Council of Ekiti State Traditional Rulers has written letters to deny the title claimed by Adewumi.
AYC Chairman Adetunbi Oluwatuyi said Adewumi’s activities were inimical to the traditional norms of Akure kingdom.
He said people have fallen victims to Adewumi, whom he said also posed as a human rights activist and a social crusader.
He gave Adewumi a seven-day ultimatum to vacate his office at the Oja Oba (Oba market) premises.
Adetunbi said: “We urge security agencies to investigate him. Adewumi Babalola should stop parading himself as a traditional ruler.
“We shall do everything lawful to stop him from bastardising our collective heritage in Akure kingdom.”
Adewumi said he was installed as the Oba of Ekiti indigenes living in Ondo State.
He claimed that he invited prominent Ekiti indigenes to his installation, adding that a former chairman, Council of Obas in Ekiti State, was present when he was presented with a certificate of office.
Said he: “Ekio is an organisation of Ekiti indigenes in Ondo State. Other tribes have their Obas in Ondo. All Ekiti indigenes living in Akure made me their head. I am the first Ekiti indigene Oba in Ondo State.”
On the seven-day ultimatum given him to vacate his office, Adewumi said the office at the market is under the jurisdiction of the local council authorities.
He said his lawyers handle issues or crises concerning human rights abuses.
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