Osun monarch suspends second-in-command, other chief, stops monthly payment for allegedly insulting stool
The suspension of Chief Awowale Olaniyi as Akogun of Edemosi by the monarch of the community in Osun State, Oba Samuel Olaniyan, over alleged complaint of the high chief that, N3, 000 being paid to him as monthly salary was too small, is now causing ripples in the domain as youths of the town are threatening to cause problem if the king refuses to recall the suspended chief with immediate effect.
His other offence according to the suspended Akogun is his refusal to seize people’s properties for the monarch’s possession.
Also suspended by the traditional ruler for his alleged refusal to release his father’s farm for the monarch’s use, was his second-in-command, the Obanla of the community, Chief David Awojide whose N7, 000 monthly salary was equally ordered to be stopped with immediate effect by the royal father.
The duo, however, called on the state government to intervene in the matter before it goes out of hand, adding that what they were suspended for were mere things that could be resolved amicably.
Meanwhile, youths in the community are now poised for war against the traditional ruler and had advised him to reverse the decision in the interest of the community.
Speaking on the issue, the Akogun of Edemosi in Ila Local Government Area of the state explained that, his N3, 000 monthly allowance was stopped by Oba Olaniyi in October 2021 because he refused to seize people’s properties for the monarch.
He stressed that, “I started having problems with Kabiesi since I refused to go and seize people’s land for the monarch. They stopped my N3, 000 salary as a chief on 14th October, 2021.”
Also, Obanla of the community, stated that he was suspended because he refused to release his father’s farm for the monarch and my N7, 000 salary was seized because, “I transferred a land in my possession to the children of the owner against the wish of Oba Olaniyan.”
On the controversy going round over who built the community teachers’ lodge, he hinted that, the community jointly built the lodge contrary to the claim by the monarch that he built it with his money.
When contacted, Oba Olaniyan said, Obanla and Akogun were suspended for committing punishable offences.
According to him, Obanla was suspended indefinitely for allegedly converting the farmland of Edemosi dead tenants to himself; misappropriation of Edemosi funds; collection of Edemosi royalty funds and failure to give account; and gross insubordination to HRM’s authority.
On Akogun’s suspension, he remarked that, he was suspended for insulting the stool of Edigbon; using his office to defraud people; violation of oath of office of chieftaincy; threat to life and properties; and insult on the personality of Edigbon of Edemosi, Oba Olaniyan.
While reacting to the youths’ allegation that, he was not living in the town to administer his subjects, he simply said he decided not to live in the town for the fear of being kidnapped by herdsmen.
When contacted, Dr. Ademola Ekundayo, one of the children of the owner of the land, stated that the land was put in care of Obanla by his father and the family has taken possession of the land.
He said, “Our dad asked Obanla to manage the land for us. When there was need to take over our land, we took over the attorney from Obanla and erected a signpost on it.
“I was later told that Kabiesi has removed the signpost and I directed my lawyer to write him and those on the land to vacate. Kabiesi should thread softly to ensure that Edemosi remain peaceful,” he submitted. (Nigerian Tribune)
