No crack in my relationship with Deji of Akure – Odopetu
By KEMI KASUMU
The Odopetu of Akure, High Chief Femi Bello, has reacted to a media report published in some online newspapers in the early hours of Tuesday May 21, 2025 titled, “Crisis brews in Deji of Akure’s palace over alleged high-handedness, chieftaincy disputes”, which listed him and one other high chief as having disagreement with the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, over the chieftaincy matter between Akure and its neighbour, Isinkan.
High Chief Bello said what was published about him does not correctly represent the relationship that exists between him and the Deji.
The report said, “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.”
This, the report said, has led to issues between the Deji and his chiefs, said to have made some moves that infuriated the Deji, who reportedly vowed to deal with them. Since then, the report added, relations have soured between the monarch and some of his key chiefs, including the Olisa of Akure and the Odopetu of Akure.
The reports, however, also cited the side of Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, who dismissed the information of tension within the palace, describing such reports 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.”
Furtherance to the reaction, the Odopetu of Akure, High Chief Femi Bello, in exercising his right of reply, on Tuesday said no crack in his relationship with the Deji.
“There was no time I, the Odopetu of Akure, senior high chief Femi Bello, ever broached challenging the authority of the Deji.
“It has come to my notice that a publication by an online platform insinuated that there is friction in the palace of the Deji of Akure kingdom, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo involving his senior high chiefs.
“The publication titled “Crisis brews in Deji’s Palace over high handedness, chieftaincy dispute ” inferred that senior high chiefs were at daggers drawn with the monarch.
This insinuation is a figment of the writer’s imagination laced with absolute fabrication.
“There was no time I, the Odopetu of Akure, senior high chief Femi Bello, ever broached challenging the authority of the Deji.
“It is not in my character to be involved in conspiracies outside my mandate of collaborative contribution to the progress of the Akure kingdom ,” he said.
According to High Chief Femi Bello, an architect, this could have been ignored, but for the need to clear the air for the good people of Akure kingdom.
The Odopetu said, “I’m in constant touch with the Deji and my loyalty to him is not in doubt. I am concerned about the development of Akure kingdom. This I’ve been doing and will continue to do in accordance with traditional dictates under the leadership of the Deji.”
He, however, warned purveyors of what he described as false publications like the report he reacted to “and their sponsors to desist from actions intended to sow the seed of discord capable of stunting the growth and development of our dear kingdom.”
