Residents of Irun Akoko have urged Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to reject any attempt to recognise Hon. Olanrewaju Adeyemi as the “Owa Adimula” of the non-existent Oke-Oro community.
The call was made on Thursday during a press briefing in Akure by Chief Paul Oguntimehin, Asiwaju of Irun, and Barrister Olusegun Adu Peters, representing Oba Bayode Agboola, the Onirun of Irun, his chiefs, and the community.
Barrister Adu Peters said Adeyemi’s request is illegal and currently challenged in suit number HCIK/20/CIV/2025 before Justice B. J. Akinwumi at the Ondo State High Court, Ikare Akoko.
He added that the suit contests Adeyemi’s attempt to create a community and traditional stool without the approval of the Onirun, warning that such actions have historically caused unrest in Irun-Akoko.
The lawyer recalled that in 2014, Adeyemi and his associates sought judicial recognition for Oke-Oro in suit HIK/24/2014 but the court dismissed their case. Their later attempt at the Ajama Commission in 2024 also failed.
Barrister Adu Peters emphasised the importance of unity, saying, “We do not want any individual to polarise the town. Our aim is peace and development under Oba Agboola’s leadership.”
Chief Oguntimehin appealed to the governor and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to reject Adeyemi’s plan, suggesting alternative ways to reward political loyalty without creating confusion in the town.
He condemned the state government’s inaction towards an individual who has been claiming a non-existent kingship since 2014 and stressed that Irun-Akoko has been making steady progress in education, security, and other developmental projects.
The Asiwaju urged the government to preserve peace and avoid recognising any illegal kingdom, warning that creating a fictitious monarchy could destabilise the town and hinder ongoing development efforts.