Igbajo Stakeholders Appreciate Governor Adeleke Over Suspension Of Famodun As Owa

Community stakeholders in Igbajo under the aegis of Onigemo descendant, which comprises of ruling houses in the ancient town in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state of Osun, have expressed sincere appreciation to Gov. Ademola Adeleke over reversal of the enthronement of Prince Gboyega Famodun, as Owa of Igbajo.

As contained in a statement jointly signed by the Onigemo of Igbajo, Chief Gbadebo Bamigboye and other royal princes, Prince Jonathan Bamigboye, Prince Adebayo Makinde, and Prince Tunde Dada, on Thursday and made available to newsmen in Osogbo the state capital, the governor’s decision would bring sanity to Igbajo town, adding that happenings in Igbajo-Iloro in the last few days and particularly since the inauguration of Gov. Ademola Adeleke, had really humbled them.

OSUN DEFENDER had on Monday reported that Gov. Adeleke issued an Executive Order setting aside the enthronement of the Aree of Iree, the Akirun of Ikirun, and the Owa of Igbajo.

The suspension would hold pending the review of their appointments, the governor declared.

Adeleke also directed security operatives to take over the palaces of the three traditional rulers immediately.

The statement faulted the appointment of Famodun by the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for not following due process and that the decision of Gov. Adeleke to review the appointment was a welcome development.

The statement also said that it would be impossible for Famodun, who was a former APC chairman to be fair to PDP government in the state, which will likely cause a setback for the community.

The statement described a purported press release from Owa-in-Council, suggesting that there was peace, tranquility and joy after the installation Famodun, as Owa of Igbajo land as a fallacy that only existed in the minds of an oppressor.

“The press release was lacking in tact, diplomacy, empathy and sensitivity that is found in the ancients.”

It also said from Nov. 16 to 24, when Famodun was installed as Owa of Igbajo, the Igbajo town was militarised with heavy armed police men presence to mull any dissenting voice.

The statement said people of the town were wise enough not to confront the armed personnel fostered on the town by one of their own, Famodun, to ensure he was forced and imposed on the community.

It said otherwise, some people were ready to dare the police and take the bullet rather than living to see Gboyega Famodun forced on them.