Edo Community Kicks Over Appointment Of Traditional Head, Writes Obaseki

The people of Ososo community in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to critically look into the recent appointment and subsequent presentation of staff of office to Dele Obaitan as the traditional head of Ososo.

They added that the issue of who becomes the traditional head of Ososo was before a competent court of jurisprudence.

Narrating the facts to journalists on behalf of the ruling houses, Chief Nicholas Arokamoni described the selection process.

A former Surveyor General of Edo State, High Chief Ofaire Okoro, appealed to Edo State government to look into the presentation of staff of office to Dele Obaitan noting that rulership in Ososo was captured in the Gazette, that is an Edict, guiding the traditional rulership of states and the then Bendel state (1979).

They noted that the rulership of the Ososo family belongs to four clans that it is supposed to be rotated among the four clans and not from father to son as being done and claimed by the said Dele Obaitan family.

They claimed the coronated Oba Dele doesn’t speak or understand Ososo tradition, culture, and customs. The kingship of Ososo did not start with the Obaitan family and shouldn’t be hijacked permanently, either.

Continuing, they said the Regent and the 1979 Gazette of the Bendel State on chieftaincy and tradition emphatically said that the throne is not from father to son. They also know from time immemorial that it is by rotation from the four ruling houses that they choose who will be installed as king in Ososo.

“We want to put the records straight and also inform the enlightened Ososo populace and the entire world that the said Dele Obaitan is just parading himself against our customs and traditions. He is not appointed to rule, as the oracle divination or our ancestors never chose him.”

They further added that it will be wise if the said Dele Obaitan stop dropping the name of the governor adding that

Obaseki will not jump to approve a king or rulership if due process is not followed and historical background is not revealed to him to study properly.