Osun Community Picks Oyelakin as Monarch-elect

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Weeks after Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, sacked three monarchs in the state, Prince Ibraheem Oyelakin has emerged as the Oba-elect after a selection process.

Governor Adeleke had sacked Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun; Are of Iree, Oba Ademola Ponle, and Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri, after faulting their selection process. He also ordered a fresh process to nominate new kings. Later, Oyelakin from Oyekun Ruling House emerged as the Oba-elect for Iree community in Boripe Local Government Area.

A statement issued by the Oba-elect praised his co-contestants and sought their support.

He said: “I will never take this privilege for granted. I commend the Iwarefa mefa of Iree kingdom, Aree in council, princes and princesses, Asiwaju of Iree, IPA National president, among others for their support.

“The rain we pray for is here, and the good news we pray for is here. We all need to bury our past either full of differences, calamities or fairy tales.” 

“The bond that strengthens us is stronger than the differences that almost consumed us. Iree kingdom is known for relative peace as we all know. Let us revisit the history and bring back the memory of a peaceful coexistence we used to enjoy.”