The ancient town of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State was on Thursday thrown into serious jubilation following the release of white paper on the Aree of Iree stool by the state government.
The people of Iree celebrated the decision of the state government that nullified the traditional ruler installed by the former Governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
Oyetola had through the former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke appointed warrant chiefs who eventually selected the nominee for the position of Aree of Iree as against the culture, tradition and custom of the town.
Indigenes of the town including kingmakers had protested the manner at which former Governor Oyetola handled the chieftaincy matter in the town and called for a review of the process.
This prompted the kingmakers and ruling houses in the town to petition the chieftaincy review committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke to review chieftaincy matters in some communities in the state, including Iree.
The committee eventually recommended the sack of the traditional ruler chosen for the town by Oyetola as he was not the choice of the kingmakers and called for a fresh process for the selection and appointment of the Aree of Iree.
The white paper which was released on Thursday night enunciated jubilation in the town, just as the indigenes of the town applauded Governor Adeleke for doing justice to the chieftaincy matter in the town.
The indigenes of the town said the Governor had through his actions given recognition to culture and traditions of the town which stipulate the nomination and appointment of the traditional ruler by the kingmakers.
They opined that the kingmakers should be allowed to nominate the right choice for the town and the person who will serve the interest of the people and ensure development of the town should be given the opportunity to lead the town.
A prominent indigene of the town who is also the national president of the Iree Progressive Association (IPA), Engr Wole Taiwo said “I am using this medium to appreciate Governor Ademola Adeleke for the maturity and transparency played towards the resolution of Obaship tussle in Iree and Osun State generally. Your humility and sense of governance is second to none.
“On behalf of Iree indigenes (home and abroad), I hereby express our heartfelt gratitude and pray to Almighty God to continue to give the Governor wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all his future endeavors.
