Iree indigenes cancel annual festival over obaship tussle

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 | By editor

Africa

INDIGENES of Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun, have announced the cancellation of the annual “Iree Day” celebration slated for Nov. 19, in protest over the kingship tussle in the town.

The announcement of the cancellation of the 27^th edition of the festival is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Elders’ Forum of Iree Progressive Association (IPA), on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Chairman of Iree Council of Elders, Chief Adenrele Afọlabi and IPA President, Chief Oluwole Taiwo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had, on Nov. 4, appointed Prince Raphael Ademola as the 16^th Aree of Iree, after his election by warrant chiefs.

He is expected to succeed the late Oba Jimoh Olayonu who joined his ancestors on July 8, 2018.

NAN also reports that the selection of Ademola as the new traditional ruler of the town had been generating series of protests by the indigenes.

The kingmakers had alleged that members of the Aree-in-Council were not allowed to be part of the election of the new traditional ruler.

According to the communiqué, the process of using warrant chiefs to fill the vacant stool of Aree of Iree is alien to the custom and tradition of the town.

“We observed that the use of warrant chiefs to elect an Ọba is alien to Iree custom and tradition.

“It is equally worrisome that the procedure of jettisoning the authentic kingmakers may likely stall the growth and development of the town.

“We wish to express our total rejection of the process adopted by the government in filling the vacant stool of Aree of Iree land.

“In view of the step taken by the government, the 2022 Iree Day celebration is hereby cancelled,” the communiqué read in part.

The forum also called on the state government to prevail on the Local Development Area to ensure stay of execution on the election of the new Oba.

It also urged the state government to ensure that the kingmakers were allowed to perform their primary function in a free atmosphere and without the use of law enforcement agents.

The communiqué, therefore, appealed to Iree indigenes, both at home and in the Diaspora, especially the youth, to maintain the peace and tranquility in the ancient town. (NAN)

A.I