LAGOS, NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA) –The Osun State Government has announced the postponement of the official presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the newly appointed Aree of Iree.
This decision comes in response to a court order issued by the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, which prohibited Governor Ademola Adeleke from presenting any certificate, instrument, or staff of office to the Aree-elect.
Adeleke had approved the selection of Prince Oyelakin as the new Aree of Iree in March 2024, nullifying the appointment of Oba Raphael Ponle, who was previously appointed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022.
Despite the court order, the government maintains that Oyelakin’s appointment as the Aree is still valid and unaffected.
READ ALSO: Court Stops Gov Adeleke From Presenting Staff Of Office To Oba Oyelakin.
In a statement released on Saturday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, the government announced the postponement of the installation ceremony.
The government urged Oba Muritala Oyelakin and the people of Iree to remain calm and abide by the law, despite the court order issued the previous day.
According to the statement, “Following an Osun State High Court’s Ex-Parte ruling presided over by Hon Justice M. O Awe against the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the Aree of Iree, the Government wishes to implore the monarch and the good people of Iree to remain calm and be law-abiding.
“We want to state unequivocally that the status quo remains as the presentation of staff and the instrument of appointment that would have been held today, 4th May, 2024, is mere ceremonial and does not in anyway invalidate the earlier approval granted Oba Oyelakin as the substantive Aree of Iree as approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Executive Council.
“It must also be noted that Osun State Government and Oba Muritala Oyelakin were not in court when the order was sought for and granted by the Court.
“The order having been therefore granted, Osun State Government under the leadership of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke has accordingly directed the Osun State Ministry of Justice to do the needful with a view to ensuring that the interim order is discharged forthwith.
READ ALSO: Adeleke Presents Staff Of Office To New Monarch Of Igbajoland
“While the matter is still pending, which, according to the Ministry of Justice takes only few days, the presentation of Staff of Office/instrument of appointment slated for today is hereby put on hold because of the ardent belief and commitment of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the rule of law.
“We want to use this opportunity to inform the good people of Osun State that, Osun State Government under the Leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to uphold the Rule of law by obeying court Orders whether in favour or against the Government.”
