Tension in Ondo as parallel processes produce rival Aladeokun monarchs

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Tension has gripped the Alade-Idanre community in Ondo State following the emergence of two contenders for the Aladeokun stool after parallel appointment processes.

The crisis followed the appointment of Chief Ayo Akinnadeju as Aladeokun by newly constituted warrant chiefs, a move that has been rejected by the traditional kingmakers in the town.

Earlier, recognised kingmakers had met, formed the required quorum under the Chiefs Law and selected Otunba Ademola Akinboro-Akingbaso from the Akinboro family, whose turn it is to produce the monarch.

However, the situation took a new turn after the state government approved the appointment of warrant chiefs through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct a fresh selection.

The warrant chiefs, operating under heavy security, subsequently named Akinnadeju as Aladeokun at a meeting boycotted by the original kingmakers.

In response, the Akinboro family of the Lagokun Ruling House instituted a suit against the state government and the warrant chiefs, challenging the legality of their appointment and citing a breach of the Chiefs Law and native custom.

The Lisa and Regent of Alade-Idanre, High Chief Oladipo Akinsowon, who is also head of the kingmakers, disowned the warrant chiefs’ action, insisting that the authentic process had already been concluded.

Akinsowon disclosed that the kingmakers had completed the required rites and forwarded the name of Otunba Akinboro-Akingbaso to the government without receiving any formal response before the parallel exercise.

He described the development as a desecration of Alade-Idanre tradition and said the kingmakers would not be associated with it.

Counsel to Otunba Akinboro-Akingbaso, Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, accused the state government of disregarding the rule of law, noting that multiple suits were already pending before the Ondo State High Court over the Aladeokun chieftaincy.