Osinkola family warns against announcing new Ooni

The Osinkola Ruling House in Ile-Ife has warned Osun State Government against announcing the new Ooni because of the suit instituted by the family against the Ife Chieftaincy Declaration.

The Chairman, Publicity Committee of Osinkola Ruling House, Olakunle Aderemi, who said this in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday, stated that the case was still in court.

The new Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

Aderemi said it appeared as the state government was set to announce the new Ooni with the heavy presence of security operatives deployed in Ife since Saturday.

He, however, said the family would continue with its case against the Ife Chieftaincy Declaration of 1980 which is still pending before an Osun State High Court.

It will be recalled that a similar case filed by the Lafogido Ruling House was dismissed by the Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, on Friday.

But Aderemi insisted that the chieftaincy declaration, which the kingmakers used to narrow down the selection process to Giesi Ruling House, was a fraud which he said could not stand.

He said, “I am aware they are preparing to announce a new Ooni. That will be an abuse of power if they go ahead to do that despite the case in court.

“It is true they dismissed the case filed by Lafogido, but our case is still there in court, it has not been decided.

“They should not act against the law, because we will continue with our case in court. That is what is happening in Osogbo. The people of Osogbo are still in court over the Ataoja stool. The people of Offa are also in court. So, we will continue, no matter how long it takes. We know we will get justice one day.

“We have told the state government this, but it seems they are adamant. We also will not stop fighting for our right.”

While the Osinkola family is against the announcement of the new monarch now, the Giesi Ruling House is eagerly waiting for the announcement of the new Ooni.

The Secretary of Giesi Ruling House, Adelowo Ogunleye, who spoke on the telephone with our correspondent, said the announcement of the new Ooni was being expected any moment from Sunday.

Ogunleye said the much awaited announcement would end the period of interregnum caused by the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who joined his ancestors on July 28, after a brief illness at a London hospital.

Punch