Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
In order to forestall the breakdown of law and order in Osun State, the Governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, has directed security operatives to bar the suspended monarch, Oba Gboyega Famodun of Igbajoland, from holding Oroke festival fixed for May 23.
A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, explained that the directive was to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the town.
The statement noted that Famodun is not recognised as king in the town having been suspended through the White Paper released in January and subsequent appointment and installation of Oba Ademola Makinde as Owa of Igbajo.
Governor Adeleke pointed out that the plan by the suspended king to hold a community festival was tantamount to causing mayhem which may disrupt the peace that has existed in the town.
“Reports at the disposal of the government indicated an attempt by a faction belonging to Mr Famodun to create conflict at Igbajo by fixing a festival date that is different from the one officially announced by the legal and officially crowned king of Igbajo, Oba Ademola Makinde.
“This effort is designed to create violence and crisis in the peaceful town of Igbajo.
“As a government, we reiterate that the Monarch of Igbajo today is Oba Ademola Makinde and the May 23rd already fixed for the Oroke Day Festival remains the sacrosanct date for the popular cultural and traditionally significant event. In a bid to forestall breakdown of law and order and in line with my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Osun state, I direct security agencies to enforce the holding of the Oroke festival on the official date of May 23rd and to ensure no gathering is held on May 19th set by any other faction,” Adeleke added.