Tension is mounting in Ore town, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State, as the Olore-in-Council and the Ondo State Government are set to lock horns over the proposed appointment of a regent to oversee the affairs of the kingdom.
The disagreement erupted over an attempt by the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to appoint a regent for the town, six years after the demise of the late Olore, Oba Johnson Olatomide, insisting that only a substantive monarch should now be enthroned.
Speaking on behalf of the Olore-in-Council, High Chief Tope Ijiniga said the statutory period for appointing a regent had long elapsed, stressing that the selection of a substantive Olore is essential.
According to the High Chief, the crisis was triggered after the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro, allegedly summoned members of the council to an urgent meeting where High Chief Akindele Aladenika was suggested as a regent without the consent of the traditional kingmakers.
He, however, said the Olore-in-Council rejected the move, insisting that the period for installing a regent had elapsed and that the kingdom are in need of a substantive monarch to replace the late monarch, Oba Olatomide, who died six years ago.
He said the proposed appointment directly contradicts established customs and undermines the authority of the kingmakers.
“We are at loggerheads with the government on this issue. Six years after the demise of our Oba, appointing a regent is unacceptable. What Ore needs now is a substantive king, not an imposed regent.
“We strongly object to this appointment. Six years after the demise of our monarch, appointing a regent in a commercial town like Ore is not only inappropriate but provocative.
What the kingdom needs now is a substantive Oba,” Ijiniga declared.
The council warned that the move amounts to what it described as a “cultural coup,” capable of destabilising the peace and long-standing traditional order of the Ore Kingdom.
They further argued that due process dictates that the Olore-in-Council be allowed to appoint a warrant chief to fast-track the emergence of a new Olore, rather than imposing a regent.
The Olore-in-Council, in a press statement, however, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and ensure that due process is followed to avert a breakdown of law and order.
The council stressed that the existing peace in Ore must not be jeopardised by administrative actions capable of inflaming passions in the kingdom.
But while reacting to the claims by the Olore-in-Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs denied any attempt to impose a regent on Ore town, describing the allegations as “completely false and misleading.”
The Press Officer of the Ministry, Abooluwa Famakinwa, stressed that the government has always maintained a neutral and non-partisan stance in matters of traditional leadership.
She said, “It is important to clarify that the government does not, and cannot, impose regents on any community. Such claims are cheap blackmail aimed at discrediting the authorities.”
She explained that in most disputes over traditional rulership, it is often the faction or side that is unpopular locally that raises allegations of government interference.
“We urge all stakeholders to allow the customary processes to run their course without politicising the matter or making baseless accusations,” she said
She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting due process and ensuring that the selection of a new Olore aligns with tradition and the law.
Vanguard
Post a Comment