Osun: Royal Rivalry In Iree Community As Two Kings Emerge

Osogbo, Osun State– A long-standing kingship dispute has reached a boiling point with the emergence of two rival monarchs, in the Iree community, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.

The Nation reported that Oba Ademola Ponle who was initially appointed to the position by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, was suspended by Governor Ademola Adeleke who also constituted a committee to review the appointment.

A fresh selection process one year after produced Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Aare of Iree. The rites for Oba-elect commenced on Friday, March 8, as he visited some places in the town led by some leaders of the community.

The Oba-elect visited the Odofin’s house(seclusion) and later left for other rites. The publication reported that amid the ongoing rite, leaders of the community broke into the seclusion house which had been locked after the emergence of Oba Ponle.

There were several gunshots in the community which raised apprehension during the traditional rites for Oba Oyelakin.

The head of kingmakers, Asalu of Iree, Chief Taiwo Oguntobi said; “I am the head of the traditionalists in Iree town, I am not part of the process for the selection of the new king appointed by the government.

“The traditional rites for any king should commence from the deity that I am in charge of but nothing of such. They used cutlasses to break into the house of Odofin(seclusion) today. The family of Odofin were opposed to that.

“We, the representatives of the community who ought to be there are not present for any rites for the newly appointed king. If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin and Olu-Ode must be present.

“The Oogboni, Olosun group must be represented, including the six Iwarafara. But with this new king, nothing of such, none of these people were present.

“The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle, we all supported him. We have performed all rites for him any other person aside from him is fake. The rite that authenticates king has been given to Oba Ponle, and another one can’t be reproduced unless he dies.”

According to Oba Oyelakin; “After the government appointed me, I entered the town yesterday, I came with many people into the town. I went round the town to register my presence. I informed the kingmakers. We started the rite at Asalu deity where all traditional chiefs were present including the Iwaramefa. I slept at one of the places of the rite with the chiefs from 10 pm to 10 am.

“The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community. The President of the Iree Progressive Union was also present. The rite was led by the Odofin of the town.

” I visited the Odofin house, but I did not enter, I just step my feet at the entrance three times. There was no crisis in town at all, and the residents were happy about my appointment. The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town.”

Meanwhile, Oba Ponle also said he is the authentic king of Iree, and has all the instruments of office with him.