Ikirun Crisis: Gboleru Prince Sues For Peace, Seeks Justice

Yusuf Oketola

A prince from Gboleru Ruling House in Ikirun, Oluwakayode Oyetunji, has sued for peace in the ongoing protest against the appointment of Oba Olalekan Akadiri as Akinrun of Ikirun.

Oyetunji, in a statement on Thursday, said the violent protest on Akadiri’s appointment is capable of exacerbating already retarded development of Ikirun.

This is just as Oyetunji demands justice on the appointment of the new monarch, saying that it is the turn of Gboleru Ruling House to produce a new Akinrun.

He stated: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth, and anyone who stands for nothing but the truth must be prepared for attacks from those who stand for the opposite or economical with the truth. People of Ikirun are compassionate, kind, loving, integrity driven people who are known to always stand for the truth.

“The people of Ikirun are known historically to always toying the path of justice as bedrock of peace and unity, and also known to never be intimidated while standing for the truth and justice.

“The ongoing dilemma in Ikirun as a result of Akirun Stool, no doubt, is not only appalling but importantly, it is capable of exacerbates already retarded development of Ikirun, unless it is well managed. A loving and united town is now polarised which should be a serious concern for all stakeholders.

“I must say that no blood of any human being worths sheding, and no life of any human being worths losing, prior to anyone becoming Akirun of Ikirunland”.

“It saddened my heart that there was bloodbath of people of Ikirun in Ikirunland because of Akirun Stool. It is imperative to state that, peace loving people of Ikirun like in any democratic society can exercise their right to peaceful protests within provision of the law. I plead to all parties, please let the bloodshed stop.

It is within the power of our respected governor, Gboyega Oyetola to make amendment based on unfolding  facts, particularly that there has been legal encumbrance coupled with necessity to adher to Rule Of Law since the Akirun Stool’s case has been before appellate Court of the land since November 2021. It is not alien to best governance and democractic practices for government to make a U-turn where government’s policies and  actions are not in tandem with generality people’s expectations. In fact, such a U-turn has been known to enhance integrity, besides  building people’s confidence in  government.

“I have decided to refrain from discussing any substantive issues regarding the seat of Akirun of Akirun which became vacant since February 2021, because the most important thing now for all sons and daughters of Ikirun and for all lovers of Ikirunland, is to search and contribute towards restoration of permanent peace in Ikirunland”.

“However, to put all records straight and for those who may not know or understand our position as Gboleru Ruling House on the Akirun Stool, it is the turn of Gboleru Ruling House to produce the next Akirun of Ikirun considering the gazetted Ikirun Chieftancy Delaclaration. and as law abiding people who cherish Rule of Law, and who have confidence in judicial system, we trust God, we will emerge more than victorious in Appeal Court, Akure.”