Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke recently took decisive action by removing three monarchs, a move announced with the release of six comprehensive white papers on January 18. These papers, originating from various committees tasked with investigating issues raised by the governor since the beginning of his administration in November 2022, underscore Adeleke’s commitment to due process and adherence to the rule of law.
Upon his swearing-in on November 28, 2022, Governor Adeleke issued executive orders suspending around 30 monarchs, citing wrongful appointments made during the twilight of his predecessor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration. To address these concerns, Adeleke established a committee chaired by Bunmi Jenyo, specifically tasked with examining appointments, including those of the Owa of Igbajo, Are of Iree, and Akirun of Ikirun.
Fourteen months later, the governor released a White Paper that resulted in the removal of the embattled monarchs: Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun; Are of Iree, Oba Ademola Ponle; and Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri. Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, announced in a statement, emphasizing the adherence to due process and the rule of law in the release of the White Paper, which had been earlier approved by the State Executive Council.
The White Papers covered a range of committees, including those on Chieftaincy Matters, Contracts/MOU/Agreements Review, Solid Minerals, Assets Inventory and Recovery, Staff Audit/Appointments/Promotions Review, and Education Summit. Notably, the committee chaired by Bunmi Jenyo on chieftaincy matters prioritized compliance with legal requirements in its decision-making process.
In the case of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, the White Paper nullified previous steps taken, calling for an all-inclusive selection process to commence immediately. Regarding the Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, substantive chiefs were urged to withdraw their lawsuit before the Court, allowing for a fresh selection process in accordance with due process and tradition.
Similarly, the White Paper nullified the previous selection process for the Owa of Igbajo, directing an all-inclusive selection process for a new nominee, as the Akirun stool remains disputed, with parties awaiting the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.
The government also directed the establishment of a task force to recover government vehicles taken during the previous administration. Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment was instructed to publish the six white papers in the official government gazette, and interested individuals can obtain copies by approaching the Ministry at the State Secretariat, Osogbo.