BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The selection process of the new Akirun of Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State is currently generating acrimony in the town as the kingmakers and some stakeholders engage in argument.
The tussle became intensified as Governor Gboyega Oyetola was alleged of surreptitiously backing one of the top contenders to the throne.
However, seven of the eight kingmakers in the town claimed that due process was followed in the election of Prince Yinus Olalekan Kadri as the Akirun-elect, stressing that government representatives, religious leaders and security agencies were in attendance during the exercise.
The Eesa of Ikirun, Chief Lawal Adetoyese Kareem, who leads the kingmakers in the decision, took an exception to the decision, describing the process that produced Kadri as faulty and unacceptable.
Some concerned youths of the town also alleged manipulation in the selection process.
The spokesperson for the group, Olawale Oluwafemi, called for Governor Oyetola’s intervention by declaring the selection process null and void and setting up an investigative panel to look into the procedures.
He said, “As concerned Ikirun youths, we believe the act is undemocratic and negates the due procedures of selecting (the person) who fills the stool. We plead with Mr Governor to intervene in this matter so as to sustain the peace and order in the town and the state at large.
“We demand that the process that produced the purported Akirun-elect should be declared null and void; government should set up an investigation committee to investigate the process.”
Chief Bamidele Maruf Onifade, the Elemo of Ikirun, said, “It is not true that we were bribed to vote, neither did we collect money from anybody.
“The election was held at the local government secretariat and supervised by the chairman of the council in the presence of religious leaders, contenders to the throne and security personnel.
“Governor Oyetola did not instigate us to vote for anyone. Due process was followed.”
