‘I remain paramount ruler of Akureland,’ Deji insists amid royal rumble in Yorubaland

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Amidst the ongoing royal supremacy debacle between the Ooni and Alaafin, the Palace of the Deji of Akure has reiterated that the Deji remains the paramount ruler over Akure land, dismissing claims by some Oba-Ile indigenes as false and misleading.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Deji, Mr Michael Adeyeye, addressed journalists on Monday in Akure to counter a statement credited to the Oloba-in-Council concerning paramountcy over Akure North.

According to Adeyeye, the Palace viewed the claims as “baseless, unfounded and done in bad faith,” noting that both law and tradition have long settled the matter in favour of the Deji.

He recalled that the Ondo State Government, through Circular No. CD/C.6/9/20/96 dated August 19, 1999, formally recognised the Deji as the consenting authority over Akure land, warning against attempts by individuals or groups to cause unrest.

The Palace also clarified historical inaccuracies, stressing that Obagbeyi Adegbite, alleged by some to be the first Deji, was actually the 11th Deji, maternally linked to the Oloba, and a son of Otemoye, the 7th Deji of Akure.

Adeyeye further cited a government circular of January 16, 2007, and two Ondo State High Court judgements, later upheld on appeal, confirming the Deji’s authority over minor chieftaincies in Akure North.

“The courts were clear that from time immemorial, Akure land has been under the hegemony of the Deji as paramount ruler.”

“For the umpteenth time, the Deji remains the prescribed authority in the appointment of minor chiefs in Akure North, including Owode, Eleyowo, Araromi and other communities,” he said.