Caption Oba Ademola Ponle
Crisis is brewing in Iree community, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, as two kings emerged.
During the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Oba Ademola Ponle was appointed for the town. However, Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Ponle and initiated a committee to reassess the appointment.
After a year, Adeleke issued a White Paper, prompting a fresh selection process that resulted in the emergence of Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Aare of Iree.
The rites for Oba-elect Oyelakin commenced on Friday, with the Oba-elect visiting various locations in the town accompanied by community leaders.
However, tension escalated during the traditional rites as leaders allegedly broke into the seclusion house, which had been locked since the emergence of Oba Ponle, leading to gunshots in the community.
Chief Taiwo Oguntobi, the head of kingmakers, expressed discontent with the appointment process, stating, “If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin, and Olu-Ode must be present.” He affirmed support for Oba Ponle, emphasizing that all rites had been performed for him, making him the authentic king.
In contrast, Oba Oyelakin defended his appointment, stating, “The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community… The gunshots are just part of our tradition.”
Meanwhile, Oba Ponle asserted his legitimacy, stating, “I am the authentic king of Iree; I have all the instruments of office with me.”
