Irele Obaship: Why I Ordered Oloworiyibi’s Arrest – Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said he ordered the arrest of Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi because is an impostor to the throne of Irele Kingdom.

Olowriyibi was last month crowned king of Irele Kingdom to the displeaure of other princes who petitioned the state government.

Reacting, Akeredolu declared that “no person has been approved or appointed as the Olofun of Irele kingdom.

A letter by the governor, signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, to the state commissioner of Police and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, described the activities of Oloworiyibi as overreaching and illegal.

It added that “it is capable of causing disaffection amongst the peace-loving people of the ancient town which consequences can be better imagined.

The letter reads:”Government has noted with deep concern, the activities of one Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi, who has been parading himself as the Olofun of Irele kingdom, in Irele council area of Ondo State.

“This impostor has not only impersonated the Olofun of Irele kingdom, he has also arrogated to himself the powers to confer chieftaincy titles on unsuspecting beneficiaries and his lackeys/cohorts.

“The position of the State Government is that no person has been approved or appointed as the Olofun of Irele kingdom.

“ The activities of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi are not only overreaching but illegal and capable of causing disaffection amongst the peace-loving people of the ancient town which consequences can be better imagined.

“ It is in the light of the foregoing, amongst others, that the Ondo State Government is ordering the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi.”

“It is a known fact that the Ondo State Government, since the inception of our administration has maintained dignified neutrality in the selection of traditional rulers for towns and villages in the State and this is unarguably responsible for the peace the State is enjoying on chieftaincy matters.

“Consequently, the State Government will not fold it hands and watch any individual or group of Individuals disturb the peace of the State through needless and avoidable chieftaincy tussles.