Crisis brews in Deji of Akure’s palace over alleged high-handedness, chieftaincy disputes {INVESTIGATION}

By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTERS, Akure

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, the Deji affirmed that all palace chiefs remain united and fully supportive of his leadership.

There is mounting tension within the palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, over what palace sources describe as the monarch’s high-handedness and alleged desecration of traditional institutions across Akure South and Akure North Local Government Areas.

Sources within the palace disclosed that several chiefs are increasingly displeased with the Deji’s handling of traditional rulers in the Akure division.

The chiefs reportedly held a meeting with the monarch, advising him to tread carefully in his involvement in chieftaincy and land matters within the two local governments. However, their counsel was allegedly ignored.

One of the most contentious issues, according to insiders, revolves around the Deji’s treatment of the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo. “The majority of the chiefs are bitter about how the Deji is handling the Iralepo matter,” one source said.

“Historically, the Deji has never installed the Iralepo, yet he is now attempting to bring in through the back door someone who contested against Oba Olugbenga Ojo and lost.”

The situation escalated when the Deji reportedly told the chiefs that his legal team had requested ₦200 million to pursue the Iralepo case at the Supreme Court. This demand sparked outrage among the chiefs, who questioned the rationale behind investing such a huge sum in a legal battle instead of channeling it into developmental projects for the community.

“Why should we spend ₦200 million on the Iralepo case? What offense has he even committed?” a chief was quoted as asking. “I understand we may also spend a similar amount on the Obas’ cases in Akure North. If such funds are available, they should be put to more meaningful use that would benefit the community.”

In the meeting, the Deji was said to have justified his actions by claiming the legal battle is in the interest of the entire Akure Kingdom. However, many chiefs reportedly disagreed, viewing the dispute as a pursuit of personal interest rather than communal benefit.

“Did we, as chiefs or the community at large, benefit from the proceeds of all the land sold in Isinkan and other areas?” another source quoted a disgruntled chief as saying.

Further deepening the crisis is a separate but related issue involving the Senior High Chiefs of Akure. They reportedly approached the Ondo State Governor, seeking official recognition as Obas within their respective quarters. When asked whether the Deji would support their elevation, the chiefs responded that the state chieftaincy law does not require consent of any traditional ruler.

This move, it was gathered, infuriated the Deji, who vowed to deal with those behind it. Since then, relations have soured between the monarch and some of his key chiefs, including the Olisa of Akure and the Odopetu of Akure, who were said to have spearheaded the initiative.

Credible palace sources now say both the Olisa and the Odopetu may face suspension soon.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo dismissed reports of tension within the palace, describing them as mere rumours and a figment of the imagination.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, the Deji affirmed that all palace chiefs remain united and fully supportive of his leadership.

Addressing claims that some chiefs are seeking recognition as Obas, he stated: “Anyone can aspire to become a traditional ruler, but due process must be strictly followed.”

As the internal power struggle continues it threatens to upend the traditional leadership structure in Akure.