Yusuf Oketola
THE State Government of Osun has placed suspension on the salaries of three traditional rulers in the state.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the salaries and other entitlements of the three traditional rulers have been withheld for more than three months.
The affected monarchs are Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje, Alawuje of Awuje, Oba Hamzat Mukahil Iyanda Abidogun and Olu of Alaya, Oba Adetoyese Taiwo Opeyemi.
Findings revealed that the suspension of the monarchs’ salaries was as a result of controversies on their appointments.
Their appointments, it was gathered, were part of those to be reviewed as directed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, the Iwo Traditional Council headed by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has appealed to Adeleke to lift ban on the salary of the three monarchs in the area.
The Council, in a communique issued on Tuesday after the monthly meeting of the traditional rulers held at the Oluwo’s palace, appealed to the Governor to repeal his Executive Order on some selected monarchs in the state.
The council described Adeleke as God sent to the people of Osun, saying his administration has brought hope to the people of the state through dividends of democracy in form of facilities such as road construction, boreholes water, free medical outreach, rural electrification, insurance scheme and payment of salary arrears in the last 100 days in office.
Part of the communique reads: “We call on Governor Adeleke to suspend his Executive Order on some monarchs in Osun State. The order is tantamount to slowing down the monarchical administration of the affected cities. We appeal to Gov. Adeleke to return the full paraphernalia of kingships and honour Iwo Traditional Council by suspending the order.
“The affected monarchs are not too pleased. Even at salary, monarchs are striving to survive. And we don’t want our traditional rulers to engage in land grabbing/sales. We beg your good office to consider our plea by granting our modest request “
