By Emegwoako C. Paschal
On Monday, October 31st, some residents and indigenes of Akungba community in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State protested an alleged plot to illegally dethrone the Alale of Akungba Akoko, Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III.
Protesters besieged the monarch’s palace, holding placards with various inscriptions such as ‘We say no to illegality in Akungba,’ ‘We love our King,’ ‘No Court ordered the removal of our King,’ and ‘No to breach of peace in Akungba,’ among others.
While emphasizing their support for the monarch, the protesters claimed that the alleged plot was being orchestrated by “haters of peace and progress.”
The leaders and residents of the community that houses the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University expressed their displeasure at the unprovoked interference of some officials in the affairs of Akungba Kingdom.
In his address to the people, Chief Dele Olowogorioye, a retiree and former National Labour Leader and ex-President of Akungba Development Union, urged all parties involved in the Obaship squabble in the past to maintain the status quo and allow peace to reign. He revealed that there was a pending case in court on the subject, so they should be cautious in their actions.
“The state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would not allow clandestine elements to trample on the existing peace of Akungba and the state,” he said.
“Nobody should fan the ember of conflict or stoke the fire of war in our serene and rapidly developing community,” said a frontline leader who did not want his name mentioned.
“In the last five years, Akungba has seen a lot of peace, socioeconomic development, and national prominence under the leadership of our progressive Oba Alale. No one should put a wrench in the works of goodness.”
“I cannot comprehend how a disgruntled clique can think they will throw out the people’s popular king,” said Chief Gabriel Olaseni of Akungba.
“Security agents, in my opinion, should put a stop to this heinous attempt to disrupt the peace in our law-abiding community. Meanwhile, we are praying to God for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.”
In his response, Oba Isaac Adeyeye called for calm and urged protesters not to take the law into their own hands, adding that;
“As a Senior Advocate and meticulous administrator, our able governor would always toe the line of justice and equity.”
