Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State, has demanded the arrest and prosecution of one Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi for misrepresenting himself as the Olofun of Irele in the state’s Irele Local Government Area.
The State Government noted that no one has been approved or appointed as the Olofun of Irele kingdom in a letter addressed to the State’s Commissioner of Police and signed by Chief Olugbenga Ale, the Governor’s Chief of Staff.
According to the government, Oloworiyibi’s activities are illegal and overreaching, and they have the potential to stoke discontent among the peaceful residents of the historic town. The government added that these activities have unintended consequences that are easier to foresee.
The letter reads: “Government has noted with deep concern, the activities of one Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi, who has been parading himself as the Olofun of Irele kingdom, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. This impostor has not only impersonated the Olofun of Irele kingdom, but he has also arrogated to himself the powers to confer chieftaincy titles on unsuspecting beneficiaries and his lackeys/cohorts
“The position of the State Government is that no person has been approved or appointed as the Olofun of Irele kingdom, hence the activities of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi are not only overreaching but illegal and capable of causing disaffection amongst the peace-loving people of the ancient town which consequences can be better imagined. It is in the light of the foregoing, amongst others, that the Ondo State Government is ordering the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibl.
“It is a known fact that the Ondo State Government, since the inception of our administration has maintained dignified neutrality in the selection of traditional rulers for towns and villages in the State and this is unarguably responsible for the peace the State is enjoying on chieftaincy matters.
“Consequently, the State Government will not fold its hands and watch any individual or group of Individuals disturb the peace of the State through needless and avoidable chieftaincy tussles. I attach hereto some photographs of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi and his activities.”
