Nigeria: Gov Oyetola warned against imposition of Pangila as traditional ruler

Ikirun Development Vanguard has warned Osun State Governor, Isiaka Oyetola, against the imposition of Prince Akadri also known as Pangila as the traditional ruler of Ikirun.

The warming was issued in a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Ikirun Development Vanguard, Wasiu Qodiri, on Saturday October 29, 2022.

The association stated that responsible youth of Ikirun will continue to resist the imposition of Pangila, a man with bad records, on the town until the government of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola does what is appropriate.

“We would like to use this medium to express our displeasure over the recent Oyetola’s government’s proclamation of one Prince Akadri, also known as Pangila, as the Akinru-elect. The people of Ikirun reject this unfair and ungodly pronouncement,” the statement reads.

“We all know the next royal family that should occupy the Akinrun vacant stool.”

The leadership of the association stressed that the peaceful people of Ikirun should be respected, and the rule of law be obeyed.

“We believe in fairness and justice. We’re not in a hurry to install the new Akinrun. Hence, we implore Governor Oyetola to halt the installation of Prince Akadri as we wait for the final court’s rulings,” the association stated.

It added, “One would be marveled to ask why is the Oyetola’s administration in a hurry to install a new Akinrun of Ikirun, when the Aree of Iree stool has been left in a vacuum since many years now, whereas an influential member of the cabinet and commissioner for Chieftaincy matters, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, is a prince from Iree.

“Similarly, the ruling party (APC) chairman, Gboyega Famodun, is also a prince of Igbajo, another town where their royal stool remains vacant. Then, why the fire brigade approach to impose anybody on the people of Ikirun? The decision almost set the hitherto peaceful town on fire.

“The decision of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is suspicious and an attempt to draw Ikirun, the leading town in the entire Osun Northeast backwards for many years, to promote his hometown, Iragbiji, and place it above Ikirun. This, the group believe, would only create animosity between Ikirun and Iragbiji, the two friendly towns from time immemorial. This is unacceptable!”

The association urged the people of Osun State to continue to be law-abiding and sustain their peaceful protest, until they get justice for the royal family of Gboleru.

In a confirmation letter dated October 27, 2022, Gov Oyetola had approved the installation of Pangila as the new Akirun.

“I am directed to inform you that the State Executive Council ably led by Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has approved your appointment as the next Akirun of Ikirun In Ifelodurn Local Government of the state with effect from
Wednesday, 26th October, 2022.”

According to the letter, the approval was in accordance with Section 20, Sub-Section (1) of the Chief’s Law (Cap. 25) Laws of the State of Osun.

Ikirun Development Vanguard is an association of over 5000 members, home and abroad.