A group consisting indigenes of Ikirun in Osun State called, ‘Ikirun Council of Elders’ has expressed concerns over the recruitment of hoodlums by some elements opposed to Osun Government’s decision regarding Akinrun Chieftaincy crisis.
The group’s position was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Rasheed Omoloye, and obtained in Osogbo on Saturday.
Akinrun’s chieftaincy crisis was one of those that the committee instituted by governor Ademola Adeleke upon assumption of office, worked on.
The committee gave a verdict that the stool should remain vacant until the court gives judgement on a matter regarding the stool
currently pending before the Court of Appeal, Akure.
Earlier, Oba Olalekan Akadiri, appointed and installed as Akinrun by the immediate past administration of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, had been directed by Adeleke to vacate the palace pending the outcome of the probe into the circumstances around his emergence.
Welcoming the decision by the Osun State Government on the matter, the group, however called on Adeleke to ensure maximum protection for lives and properties of the residents, alleging that the principal character recruiting hoodlums in the town was well known.
“We are concerned with the level at which some individuals in Ikirun, especially those who felt unhappy with the state government’s decision with regards to the Akinrun chieftaincy, are now embarking on recruiting thugs into their folds in an attempt to force their way to the place, illegally.
“The lead figure in this dastardly move is well known, and we want Mr. Governor to charge the security agencies in the State to be on guard at all times in order to curb the activities of these miscreants and their sponsors.
“Our utmost priority as elders is the peace of our town and we call on all meaningful and genuinely concerned Ikirun indigenes and elites to join hands with the government to ensure that the gathering of these notorious thugs and miscreants is nipped in the bud,” the statement partly read.
The Council also called on Adeleke to consider more Ikirun indigenes for appointments into political and civil service positions, pledging support for the administration and its efforts to further improve the living standard of Osun residents.
