In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Iree, Osun State, Adesanya Adedeji Adesoji Adeyemi has been forced to flee for his life following persistent threats from traditionalists and a well-known politician in the town.
The unrest surrounding the town’s chieftaincy dispute has turned violent, pushing Adesanya to the brink of disaster.
His uncle, who is a well-known political leader in Osun State, has threatened to kill Adesanya should he decide not to follow the tradition of his family house and community by refusing to accept the traditional role of his late father as ‘Abore’ of the family diety.
The turmoil began after the death of Adesanya’s father on October 15, 2021. during the burial preparations, Adesanya said he noticed the presence of traditional deity worshippers at his family house.
“I did not give it any thought because my uncle has always been one of them,” he recalled.
However, everything changed on December 8, 2021, when Adesanya received a call from his uncle, urgently summoning him back to Iree town. There, in the presence of family elders, he was informed that he was chosen to become the new chief priest (Abore) of the family’s deity, Lagbondoko, a role he instantly and vehemently rehected.
His refusal enraged the elders, who issued ominous threats against Adesanya.
He said: “I was surprised because I have never seen my father associate with idol worshipping. They informed my uncle that if he did not convince me to accept the post, we should be ready for more burials, and I would soon follow my father.”
Despite his uncle’s pleas and subsequent threats, Adesanya stood firm in his belief, saying: “I would never be part of such rites because it is against my faith.”
His defiance has since put him in danger as strangers have harassed his wife, and there have been alleged attempts to kidnap his children.
Adesanya has received countless calls from unknown persons, warning him to comply or face dire consequences.
The crisis escalated when Adesanya narrowly escaped being lynched by hoodlums during a visit to his hometown when some family members instructed him to come so that a peaceful resolution could be achieved.
The latest attack coincided with widespread unrest over the appointment of Ponle Ademola as the new traditional ruler of the town – Aree of Iree.
Protests erupted, leading to the burning of the Aree’s palace and the destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.
A traditional leader close to the Adeyemi family remarked: “It is a tradition in the town for the eldest son to inherit his father’s position. Whoever refuses always bears the consequences most times attacks physically and spiritually, which often results in death.”
The situation in Iree has been exacerbated by political turbulence. The former governor of the State, Gboyega Oyetola, appointed Ponle Ademola as the Aree of Iree in November. However, the local council of elders opposed this decision, describing it as a breach of traditional practice.
The incumbent governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, recently reversed the appointment alongisde others, causing further unrest and the arrest of the Aogun of Iree, Soliu Atoyebi.
During the chaos, the palace was set ablaze on December 1, 2022 around 7pm, and several associates of the palace were attacked. Roads leading to the town were blocked with bonfires, reflecting the community’s deep divisions.
“I know the person behind the attack, I knew he would come after me and my family, he has vowed to deal with me since I confronted him that neither me no my sons are ready to be the Abore (Chief Priest) and I remember that day he told me that I should be ready to bear the consequences, he has very strong political network everywhere being a notable politician and I am not ready to risk my life and that of my family.
“They should take their title; I don’t want it. What do I need it for? God has blessed me, and I’m glad I’m doing well with my family,” Adesanya explained.
Adesanya originally hails from Iree town but resides in Lagos State with his wife and children.
“We are a very peaceful and happy family,” he shared, reflecting on the life they once knew.
Adesanya’s whereabouts now remained unknown as he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention following the latest attack.
Efforts to reach him have been unsuccessful, and his phone lines remained unreachable.
As Adesanya’s plight highlights the dangers of tradition clashing with personal belief, his safety hangs in the balance, and his whereabouts were not known by anybody as at the time of filing this report.
In a region where ancient customs wield considerable influence, the Adeyemi family’s struggle underscores the peril faced by those who dare to defy tradition. For now, their fate remains uncertain as they seek safety far from the threats that haunt them in their homeland.
