THE Osun State Government has nullified the selection of Mr. Gboyega Famodun, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Council of the state.
The government also nullified the selection of Mr. Raphael Ademola of Iree town in Boripe Local Council and declared the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Council vacant, pending the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, on Thursday, January 18, in Osogbo, said the decision was contained in white paper reports submitted by the committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke on chieftaincy matters.
He stated: “The Osun State Government, today, released six white papers, five on various committees that investigated issues raised by the Executive Orders issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the inception of the administration in November 2022, as well as white paper on the Education Summit.
“The white papers earlier approved by the State Executive Council were finally ratified after further review by a special committee chaired by the governor, in line with his promise to ensure due process, indepth consultation and compliance with the rule of law.
“By the report of the white paper, all previous steps taken in relation to the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stand nullified. And that all-inclusive selection process(es) for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo should commence immediately.
“Specifically on Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the court, so as to allow for commencement of the selection process, in line with due process and tradition.
“On the stool of Owa of Igbajo, the white paper nullified the previous selection process, which produced Prince Gboyega Famodun, and directed an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee.
“On the disputed Akirun stool, the white paper directed that the parties await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal, and that the stool remains vacant.”
The statement noted that the state government had accepted the recommendation of the committee to await the outcome of the pending suit on the Alawo Stool before the Supreme Court and has also directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of government vehicles allegedly carted away by officials of former governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke had on November 28, 2022 issued an Executive Order that all the appointments of traditional rulers made before July 17, 2022 be reviewed, saying this became necessary to ensure strict compliance with the due process of chieftaincy declarations and native law, custom and tradition relating to such chieftaincy matters.
He thereafter set up a committee to look into the chieftaincy matters.
The affected traditional rulers were appointed by Oyetola, who the governor defeated in the July 16, 2022 governorship election.
