Tension is escalating in Iree community, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, as a dispute emerges over the simultaneous presence of two kings.
Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola previously appointed Oba Ademola Ponle during his administration.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Ponle and initiated a committee to reassess the appointment.
After a year, Adeleke issued a White Paper and mandated a fresh selection process, resulting in Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house being crowned as the new Aare of Iree.
The rites for Oba-elect Oyelakin began on Friday, marked by his visit to various locations in the town alongside community leaders.
During the traditional rites, an unsettling video obtained by The Nation revealed a breach into the Odofin’s house(seclusion), which had been locked since Oba Ponle’s emergence, accompanied by multiple gunshots in the community, heightening tensions.
Chief Taiwo Oguntobi, the head of Iree’s traditionalists, expressed dissatisfaction with the new king’s appointment, emphasizing the absence of key representatives during the rites.
Oguntobi asserted, “The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle,” maintaining that the rites validating the kingship had already been performed for him.
In contrast, Oba Oyelakin, responding to the controversy, conveyed, “The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community.
The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town.”
In a separate statement, Oba Ponle affirmed, “I am the authentic king of Iree; I have all the instruments of office with me.”
The discord between the traditionalists and the government-appointed king remains a source of unrest in the community.
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