Osun obeys court, shifts monarch’s presentation of Staff of Office
The Osun State Government has obeyed the order of the state High Court, which restrained the governor, Ademola Adeleke, from presenting Staff of Office to the new Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin.
The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, however, clarified that Oba Oyelakin had been appointed and installed.
Alimi further said the state government has postponed until further notice the formal presentation of Staff of Office and instrument of appointment to Oba Oyelakin in obedience to the order of the court.
Alimi recalled that the state Executive Council presided over by Adeleke approved the appointment of the monarch on March 6, 2024, and the presentation of Staff of Office to him had been slated for today (Saturday).
The Commissioner subsequently urged the monarch and the people of Iree to remain calm and law-abiding in spite of the court decision saying, “Following an Osun State High Court’s Ex-Parte ruling Presided over by Hon Justice M. O Awe against the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the Aree of Iree, the Government wishes to implore the monarch and the good people of Iree to remain calm and be law-abiding.
“We want to state unequivocally that the status quo remains as the presentation of staff and instrument of appointment that would have been held today, 4th May 2024, is merely ceremonial and does not in any way invalidate the earlier approval granted Oba Oyelakin as the substantive Aree of Iree as approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Executive Council.
“It must also be noted that Osun State Government and Oba Muritala Oyelakin were not in court when the order was sought for and granted by the Court. The order having been therefore granted, the Osun State Government under the leadership of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke has accordingly directed the Osun State Ministry of Justice to do the needful with a view to ensuring that the interim order is discharged forthwith.
“While the matter is still pending, which, according to the Ministry of Justice takes only a few days, the presentation of Staff of Office/instrument of appointment slated for today is hereby put on hold because of the ardent belief and commitment of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the rule of law.
“We want to use this opportunity to inform the good people of Osun State that, Osun State Government under the Leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to uphold the Rule of law by obeying court Orders whether in favour or against the Government.”
On Friday, the state High Court sitting in Osogbo restrained Adeleke from presenting Staff of Office to Oba Oyelakin.
The restraining order dated May 3, followed a motion ex parte filed by Oba Raphael Oluponle in a suit numbered HOS/20/2024 through his counsel, Abdulrahaman Okunade, where he sought an order of interlocutory restraining Adeleke from proceeding further in installing Oba Oyelakin as Aree pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
Other defendants in the suit are; the State Attorney General, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Boripe North Local Council Development Area, Osolo of Iree, Chief Sobalaje Alao, Prince Muritala Oyelakin and 3 others.
