Gov Akeredolu orders arrest of ‘fake’ monarchs

The Ondo State Government has ordered the arrest of two persons who were alleged to be parading themselves as the traditional ruler of Ode Irele town, the headquarters of Irele Local Government Area, and the monarch of Igodanlisa community in Okitipupa LGA of the state.

The government said the two were allegedly parading themselves as monarchs without the approval of the state executive council.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Olateju, stated this after the state executive council meeting on Wednesday evening. She, however, did not mention the names of the suspects.

Ademola-Olateju said, ”Some persons have been parading themselves as Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government and Olu of Igodanlisa in Okitipupa Local Government without the approval of the State Executive Council.

“The state executive council has decided that such persons be arrested and investigated for their infractions against the state chieftaincy law.

The commissioner also disclosed that the government had upgraded no fewer than 23 junior monarchs to first-class status while approval of the elevation of some chiefs to the status of Obas in the various communities by the government.

According to her, the concerned traditional rulers including, the Owa-Ale of IkareAkoko, Olowa of Igbara-Oke and Olumoru of Imoru and Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo among others.

She added that the council equally resolved and regularised disputed stools in the state, noting that the issue of paramountcy was still pending and awaiting the amendment of the state’s chieftaincy law.

The government spokesperson also informed that the executive council had mandated that there shall be no closure of markets for traditional festivals, in any part of the state without the approval of the governor.

“The state exco also noted the permit granted for the observance of traditional festivals in the state. The government hereby reiterates that there shall be no closure of markets without the approval of the governor.

“Where approval is granted, such approval shall be limited to the Oba’s market alone, not shops in residential areas. In addition, we discussed the use of Yoruba Language in communication as government interfaces with the people and its officers.

“At the state executive council, we decided that we encourage the use of Yoruba or other native languages like Ijaw, Ikale, Ilaje, as the case may be, in our communication”, she stated.