Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a strong warning against an alleged plan to invade and take over the Ikirun Palace, directing security agencies to immediately secure the premises.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, following reports of a planned breach of the palace despite ongoing court cases over the Akirun stool.
Governor Adeleke cautioned that any prince or individual involved in the alleged plot would be held accountable, stressing that the matter remains before the courts.
“The palace remains sealed until the conclusion of ongoing litigations on the Akirun stool. Any violation of this directive will attract sanctions,” the governor warned.
He also cautioned against any actions capable of disrupting peace in Ikirun, stating that the government would not tolerate any form of self-help while judicial processes are ongoing.
“Any attempt to disturb the peace of Ikirun will not be tolerated by our government. The Akirun stool is a matter before the court and until the matter is resolved, no resort to self-help will be tolerated,” he said.
Governor Adeleke explained that the palace had only been briefly opened for environmental clearing and maintenance, stressing that this did not amount to a formal reopening.
“I restored peace to Ikirun community by an executive order, and it is only through my executive order that the palace can be re-opened,” he added.
He therefore directed all relevant security agencies to secure the palace and prevent any illegal occupation or takeover.
“All efforts should be deployed to sustain and maintain the peace of Ikirun,” Adeleke said.
The Akirun stool has remained vacant since the death of the late monarch, Oba AbdulRauf Olawale Adedeji II, at the age of 78 in February 2021.
His passing triggered a succession process governed by customary law and chieftaincy regulations, which has since been mired in disputes among contending princes and ruling houses, leading to court cases.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Osun State Government ordered the sealing of the Ikirun Palace pending the resolution of the legal battles.
The succession dispute remains a sensitive issue in Ikirun, with authorities repeatedly urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and avoid self-help.