Deji of Akure suspends Oba Oluwagbemiga Ojo as Iralepo of Isinkan

….You lack power to suspend who you did not appoint – Community

The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has approved the immediate suspension of Barr. Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo of Isikan.

The decision follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which nullified the upgrading of the Iralepo Chieftaincy to a recognized title. The court reaffirmed that Isikan remains a quarter under the authority of the Deji of Akure Kingdom and that any upgrade of the title must have the Deji’s consent.

In compliance with the ruling, Oba Aladetoyinbo directed Mr. Ojo to cease parading himself as Iralepo, while all privileges associated with the title stand revoked. The palace urged residents of Akure and Isikan quarters to remain calm and law-abiding.

Meanwhile, the Iralepo-in-Council has dismissed the purported suspension, stating that the Deji lacks the authority to suspend a chief he did not appoint.

According to a statement signed by High Chief Kayode Oluyi, the Olisa of Isinkan, the Court of Appeal only gave a summary of its judgment, with the full text yet to be released.

The council emphasized that the Deji had previously lost a case at the High Court, where he challenged the Iralepo’s appointment by the government without his consent. They argued that since the Deji was not responsible for the appointment, he could not enforce a suspension.

The Iralepo-in-Council assured the people of Isinkan that Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) remains the Iralepo of Isinkan and urged residents to remain calm.