- Insists Oyelakin Still Aree
The Osun State Government has postponed the formal presentation of the staff of office and the instrument of appointment to Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the newly appointed Aree of Iree, till further notice.
This is coming after an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo on Friday stopped the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from presenting a certificate, instrument, or staff of office to the new Aree-elect.
Osun Defender recalls that Governor Adeleke, in March 2024, approved the selection of the Prince as the new Area of Iree after it nullified the appointment of Oba Raphael Ponle, who was appointed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022.
The government, however, insisted that Oyelakin is still the Aree it recognises, saying the court order does not invalidate his appointment.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government postponed the installation and urged the monarch and the people of Iree to remain calm and law-abiding in spite of yesterday’s court order.
According to the statement, “Following an Osun State High Court’s Ex-Parte ruling presided over by Hon Justice M. O Awe against the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the Aree of Iree, the Government wishes to implore the monarch and the good people of Iree to remain calm and be law-abiding.
“We want to state unequivocally that the status quo remains as the presentation of staff and the instrument of appointment that would have been held today, 4th May, 2024, is mere ceremonial and does not in anyway invalidate the earlier approval granted Oba Oyelakin as the substantive Aree of Iree as approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Executive Council.
“It must also be noted that Osun State Government and Oba Muritala Oyelakin were not in court when the order was sought for and granted by the Court.
“The order having been therefore granted, Osun State Government under the leadership of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke has accordingly directed the Osun State Ministry of Justice to do the needful with a view to ensuring that the interim order is discharged forthwith.
“While the matter is still pending, which, according to the Ministry of Justice takes only few days, the presentation of Staff of Office/instrument of appointment slated for today is hereby put on hold because of the ardent belief and commitment of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the rule of law.
“We want to use this opportunity to inform the good people of Osun State that, Osun State Government under the Leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to uphold the Rule of law by obeying court Orders whether in favour or against the Government.”
