The Ogoga -in- Council of Ikere Ekiti has described as political and sacrilegious, the recognition granted to Odo-Oja, Ikere-Ekiti and the head, Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, as a monarch by the Ekiti State Government.
The chiefs, who kicked against Olukere’s recognition as an Oba and balkanisation of the community, alleged that Governor Kayode Fayemi’s decision to grant Odo-Oja area of the community autonomy was laced with political intents.
The chiefs, in a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti by the 16 members of the Ogoga-in-Council, led by their Chairman, the Sapetu of Oke-Ikere, High Chief Olufemi Babatola, declared Olukere’s recognition as null and void.
They said Olukere’s recognition negated the custom and tradition of the ancient community, alleging that Governor Fayemi rewarded Olukere for working for his victory in the 2018 governorship election against Prof. Olusola Eleka, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti.
The chiefs alleged that the governor’s action lend credence to the fact that he was being vindictive for losing the Ikere Council Area to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Eleka, in the election.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Prof. Adio Folayan, described as fallacious and puerile claims lacking content of validity, the allegation that Fayemi compensated Olukere with Obaship as payback.
He said there was no political sentiment in granting Obaship to the Olukere and recognising Odo-Oja, Ikere-Ekiti, adding that the request was granted by the Justice Jide Aladejana-led panel of enquiry, which found the memorandum submitted plausible.
“There is no reason why autonomy should not be granted to Odo-Oja based on merit. So, the community, like other autonomy seeking communities, has every right to get their autonomy once they meet the criteria.”
