Osun State government has declared the Owa Igbajo, Aree stoosl vacant, saying all previous steps taken in relation to the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo were null and void.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday by the commissioner for information and public enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, adding that the government had also ordered that all inclusive selection process to the two thrones to commence immediately.
Alimi said the order was contained in one of the six white papers released on issues raised by the executive orders issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the inception of the administration in November 2022,
He said the White Papers earlier approved by the State Executive Council were ratified after further review by a special committee chaired by Governor Adeleke in line with his promise to ensure due process, in-depth consultation and compliance with the rule of law
“Among the white papers approved included those of Committees on Chieftaincy Matters, Contracts/MOU/Agreements review Committee, Solid Minerals Committee, Assets Inventory and Recovery Committee, Staff Audit /Appointments/ Promotions review Committee, as well as white paper on Education Summit.
“On the report on the chieftaincy matters chaired by Hon. Bunmi Jenyo, the white paper prioritised compliance with legal requirements as a basis for final decisions.
“By the report of the White Paper, all previous steps taken in relation to the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stand nullified. And that all inclusive selection process (es) for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, respectively, should commence immediately.
“Specifically, on Aree of Iree chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the court so as to allow for commencement of the selection process denovo in line with due process and tradition”.
