Ikare-Akoko crisis: Akeredolu threaten to banish monarchs

Akeredolu expresses worry over APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket

The Ondo State Government has threatened to banish traditional rulers, Owa-Ale of Iyometa and Olukare of Ikare Akoko, in Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state, over the incessant crisis in the town.

 

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, made this known on Thursday, saying that the development is the outcome of the State Executive meeting.

 

Recall, that PUNCH Metro had reported that the Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Ikare-Akoko community, following the violent clash that broke out in the community during the New Year’s carnival.

 

The threat by the government is just as the curfew was relaxed.

 

According to the commissioner, the state government warned the two traditional rulers to comport themselves in line with government decisions or risk being banished.

 

Ademola-Olateju said the council had set up a 5-membered committee to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend a resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.

 

After deliberations, thee committee among others resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare would result in the banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale.

 

The committee members included: Bashorun Sehinde, as the Chairman, Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as a member, Dr Tunji Abayomi as a member, Mrs Oreoluwa Agbayewa member and Mr Joseph Dele Adesanmi as Secretary of the Committee.

 

She said, “The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by the government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm.

 

“The council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in the banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale.

 

“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owa Ale or Olukare.

 

“All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences.”