Metro

Crisis Looms In Akure Over Appeal Court Judgement On Traditional Stool

Published

1 year ago

February 23, 2025

Editor

Communal crisis is looming in Akure, the Ondo State capital as the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, move to implement an Appeal Court judgment which declared the Iralepo of Isikan to be a Quarter Chief in Akure.

The Iralepo was upgraded to a Class C monarch under the administration of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

After the death the late Iralepo of Isikan, High Chief Olu Ojo., the Akure monarch appointed Chief Henry Gbenga as the next Iralepo in line based on his power(s) to appoint Minor Chiefs in Akure kingdom but Prince Olugbenga Ojo who was picked by the Omowa Isikan (kingmakers) was installed as Oba.

In 2022, the state government issued a White Paper which recognised Iralepo stool as a Class C Oba.

However, the Court of Appeal declared that it was unlawful to admit the Chieftaincy title of Iralepo into Part 1 of the Chiefs Laws of Ondo State as a recognised Chief with the consent of the Deji of Akure.

It also granted an order of perpertual injunction restraining the Ondo State Government from appointing or installing anyone as the Iralepo of Isikan Quarters.

Less than 48 hours after the court’s ruling, the Deji of Akure ordered immediate suspension of Ojo as the Iralepo of Isikan and cautioned him to desist from parading himself under any guise.

Oba Aladetoyinbo announced appointment of Adeyeye as the new Iralepo of Isikan Quarters, Akure.

A statement by spokesman to the Akure monarch, Michael Adeyeye said Ojo was requested to vacate the traditional palace of the Iralepo of Isikan with immediate effect and hand over all palace properties within his possession to the appropriate quarters for proper documentation.

According to the statement, “In view of the installation and appointment of High Chief Gbenga Henry Adeyeye as the new Iralepo of Isikan quarters, he is now entitled to wear all paraphernalia of office attached to the stool of the Iralepo of Isikan while Mr. Gbenga Ojo is advised to desist from parading himself in whatever manner.

“We wish to inform Mr. Gbenga Ojo that any violation of the afore-stated shall be met stiffer penalties including committal proceedings.”

Oba Aladetoyinbo subsequently presented certificate to the new Iralepo and witnessed by the Omowa of Isikan.

But the Olisa of Isikan, Chief Kayode Oluyi, said the ancient throne of Iralepo was not any child’s play susceptible to the theatre of absurdity.

Chief Oluyi said the Iralepo of Isinkan has only been appointed by the people of Isinkan and never by the Deji of Akure nor subject to his approval.

“We implore our people to peacefully go about their businesses and not do or be involved in anything that would portray the great peace loving people of Isinkan as discourteous rabble rousing bumpkins.

“While we take due cognizance of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and exercising our further rights in that respect under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to assure all that the throne of the Iralepo of Isinkan is not vacant as Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III), the Olusi Obarisa, remains, and sits on the throne and in the palace of the Iralepo of Isinkan.”

The Olu of Aladodo, Ayodeji Fatoki, said no Deji has ever installed or removed any Iralepo of Isinkan.

He said: “Deji wants to cause crisis in the state capital”.
(NATION)

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

42 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.