Ondo Govt will henceforth not tolerate unauthorised expansion of domain by any Oba – Akeredolu

The Ondo State government will henceforth not tolerate unauthorised expansion of domain by any Oba.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu handed down the warning at the presentation of staff of office to the new Iralepo of Isikan,Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, Arulewolasi III in Isinkan in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State.

It was a carnival like event as people gathered at the Ita Owa in Isikan,dressed in beautiful and uniform attires to celebrate the new King.

The event was graced by top government functionaries, Local government Officials and Traditional rulers including Ooni of Ife who was represented by HRM Oba Adebowale.

Presenting the staff of office to the new Iralepo, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged the people to support Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula to ensure his reign is sweet and peaceful.

“It will be recalled that the stool of Iralepo became vacant on 4th February, 2021 following the demise of Oba Joseph Olu Ojo. The selection process to fill the vacant stool of Iralepo started on 11th October, 2021 when the State Government acceded to the request of Isinkan Community through Akure South Local Government for approval to commence the process of appointing and installing a new Oba. As you know, the law, custom and tradition of Isinkan provide for 14 kingmakers out of which 13 are alive, while one (Chief Lisa) is dead.

In line with the laid down procedure, the Iralepo Ruling House nominated and presented five candidates at the meeting of the kingmakers on 2ist October, 2021.

The kingmakers conducted the selection exercise among the five contestants and Prince Olugbenga Ojo got the highest votes ang was thereby declared as the Iralepo-elect.

The selection and appointment was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on 21st June, 2022 after confirming that the process which led to the emergence of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo-elect was in conformity with due process.”

Aiyedatiwa said government will continue to do its best in making life more beautiful and meaningful to residents through the provision of security,social amenities and infrastructural development through its REEDEEMED mantra.

He warned that henceforth illegal annexation of territory and unauthorised expansion of domain by any oba will not be condoned.

“Let me also advise the Kabiyesi to restrict your governance to your domain only. Any idea to extend your territory to other areas outside your domain will not be tolerated. May God help you to succeed in this onerous task.” He said

The Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula thanked the people of Isikan for their support, assuring them of quality performance to lead Isikan to the next level of development.

“By the special grace of the Almighty God, there will be peace and tranquillity in our land throughout our reign and thereafter. We shall leverage this throne to get development to our people. We pledge our support to the government for the development of this land and the entire state and to ensure our people benefit immensely from this democracy.

“In the tradition of our forefathers, the people of Isikan worship the Supreme Being called Obarisa or Eledumare. In one of the primordial Ifa corpus for Isikan known as Òtúrá m’eji, it is stated that “Igba osìn, irínwó’molè, òkàn soso l’Obarisa/Eledumare baba Èlà”. That is, though kings may be many and deities be aplenty, there is only one Supreme Being the father of Ela.

“The first ‘usi’ or altar to Oludumare was birthed on this land. This is why our land is called Isikan (from Usikan), a sacred land dedicated to the Supreme Being. Isinkan is therefore a holy land. We will not lose this our enviable legacy and preeminentidentity. One day, the world shall hear our story and visit this land the same way they visit Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia,” Oba Olofin-Adimula said

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akinwumi Sowore and the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi congratulated the Iralepo and wished him a successful tenure

The event featured cultural displays, music rendition among others.

The Iralepo of Isinkan stool became vacant in June 2021 following the demise of the then Iralepo,Oba Olu Ojo.

Oba Olofin Adimula, Arulewolasi III is the 49th Oba of Isinkan and the 38th Iralepo on the Ora dynasty.

In the meantime, son of the town and forner Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu, Tunji Light Ariyomo, has sent his congratulatory message to the monarch.

He said, “Today, I had the privilege to join the people of Isinkan in Akure South Local Government Area to witness the formal presentation of Staff and Instrument of Office to Kabiyesi Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) the Iralepo of Isinkan by His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN.

“Kabiyesi Iralepo
Oral’opo l’Usi
Jiwanjiwan oriade
Omo Eselu k’oba
Kee j’agba Isikan mimu

“Opo tiiri l’ajin
Opo tiiri s’oko Ado
Adimula oko Osorun
Uyi! Uyi! Uyi! Uyi!

“Congratulations to Kabiyesi! May your reign be peaceful and uniting,” Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, who is the Aare Baamero of the land, said.