Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed the sanctity of Oluwo of Iwoland as the consenting authority over the three local governments constituting Iwo zone under the Iwo Traditional Council just as he restated his administration’s readiness to complete the Iwo-Osogbo road project.
In a release signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor, Adeleke also ordered the immediate reversal of any instance where consenting authority has been granted to any traditional ruler under Iwoland, directing the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government to enforce the directive in line with tradition and laws.
In a reaction to widespread complaints over alleged encroachment on the traditional areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland, Governor Adeleke affirmed his deep respect for tradition and history which he said duly conferred leadership of Iwo zone on the Oluwo of Iwoland from time immemorial.
According to the State Governor, any granting of consenting authority to any traditional ruler within the Iwo Traditional Council and the exercise of such authority by such beneficiary are hereby nullified and declared illegal and of no effect.
Any installation of a Baale done by such beneficiary is built on illegal foundation and is hereby declared a nullity, the Governor further affirmed, warning against actions and activities within and outside government that may jeopardise the peace and unity existing within the zone.
“I heard of several reports indicating usurpation of the legal authority of the Oluwo of Iwoland. Any such conduct is illegal and is hereby reversed. I have deep respect for the traditional institution. I particularly have deep affinity and respect for the people of Iwo at home and abroad including His Royal Majesty, the Oluwo of Iwoland.
“Our government did not and will not embark on any move or ploy purportedly designed to decimate the areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland. Oluwo remains the consenting authority for Iwoland and President of the Iwoland Traditional Council.
“The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any consenting authority that is purportedly granted the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, the Olowu of Kuta or any other traditional ruler who are traditionally under the Oluwo of Iwoland. Neither myself nor our government will be a party to the revision of history that is capable of igniting communal conflict and destruction of cultural heritage.
“Let me state it loud and clear: there is no anti-Iwo or anti-Oluwo agenda in our government. Anybody spreading such is a marketer of fake news. I have a pan-Osun vision and agenda which entails equitable development of all local governments of the state and phased infrastructure upgrade across the three senatorial districts.
“Our government will complete the Iwo-Osogbo road very soon. The contractor already has a deal on the best way to fast-track the road construction with the State Government. This administration will deliver a quality road to revive the economic fortunes of the six local governments on that road.
“It is fake news to suggest that our government has abandoned the all-important road. Iwo is benifitting from our government in many ways that will soon be manifested to Iwo people at home and abroad”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.