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Ondo Gov. petitioned over Olore Chieftaincy tussle
Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN
Tope Temokun, a lawyer, has called on Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to withdraw approval for the installation of a new traditional ruler in the Odigbo local government area of the state.
Mr. Temokun, attorney for Dero Rulling House of Ore, under the head of the family Ms. Florence Eliseri, made a copy of the petition available to journalists on Friday in Akure.
The petition was titled “Dispute over the leadership of Olore Of Ore and the scheming role of the lieutenant governor of the state of Ondo in conflict with the official position of the government and in disobedience to the admonition of the court.”
Mr. Temokun, who informed the governor that the initial declaration of headship “obtained” by the Akintimehin family, which excluded other ruling houses of Dero and Orunsero de Ore, was challenged in court and overturned by the court.
The lawyer alleged that the Lieutenant Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and the President of the Odigbo Local Government, Margaret Akinsuroju, were against the court order.
According to him, the right to the throne of the Dero family was restored on February 7, 2020 by a Superior Court of the State of Ondo.
“In addition, the court also declared Olore’s stool vacant and it was declared that the Dero family would be the next family to put forward a candidate to fill the vacant position of Olore of Ore.
“The Akintimehin family appealed against the sentence and obtained a stay of execution of the sentence on the basis of a fair hearing not granted to the immediate past Olore of Ore, Oba Johnson Olatomide, who was from the Akintimehin family.
“A year and two months after this, the said Oba Johnson Olatomide, joined his ancestors and the Dero family asked the Court of Appeals to nullify said suspension of execution, since the beneficiary, due to natural causes , has now left the throne.
“‘The motion to annul the stay of execution of the sentence is still pending before the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He referred to a letter issued by the state attorney general’s office and commissioner of justice on September 13, 2021, in response to the petitioner’s letter dated June 15, 2021.
According to him, the letter stated that the parties to the dispute over the leadership of Olore of Ore pending before the Court of Appeal should maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the appeal.
“The court of appeal, sitting on the Akintimehin family’s appeal in Akure on appeal no .: CA / AK / 124/2019, appeared on October 5, 2021 before Judge OF Omoleye, Judge RM Abdullahi and Judge PA Mahmoud.
“They hinted that there was no need to move the motion for amparo dated September 14, 2021
“In light of the admonition that the court subsequently gave, that the parties must maintain the status quo until the appeal is resolved.
“The judges warned of the dire consequences of either party taking any action to fill the vacant position of Olore of Ore until the Court of Appeal renders its verdict,” he said.
The lawyer alleged that the president of the local government of Odigbo had obtained an approval letter dated December 30, 2021 with the support of the deputy governor of the Akintimehin family to present a candidate for the position of Olore of Ore.
Temokun, who said this was contrary to the positions of the appeals court, and the state government, through the attorney general’s office, expressed confidence in Akeredolu for his stance on justice and fairness.
According to him, the governor can avoid a repeat of the recent uneven presentation of candidates for vacant positions that plunged some communities into chaos and anarchy, pointing out that Ore is a volatile community.
“There is no gap in the traditional administration of the city of Ore because by means of a letter dated November 9, 2020, with Ref. CD / C.13 VOL.V / 147, entitled Appointment of regent for the community of Ore, the Ondo state government has appointed a regent for Ore.
“The Regent has assumed office since 2020, except for the fact that internal rancor within the same Akintimehin family has been inhibiting his peaceful reign.
“We wish to say, with all emphasis, that we have confidence in Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, regarding this matter, that he will not be deliberately part of the lawlessness in his state.
“As recent experience has shown how the unequal presentation of candidates for vacant positions has plunged the entire community into chaos and anarchy, leading to a further violation of the safety of life and property, and Pray it’s too volatile to be thrown into it.
“Therefore, we appeal and demand that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Sir Charles Titiloye, the state attorney general and commissioner for Justice, rise above the basic activities of those who want to put Ore in crisis by withdrawing the suspicious letter. approval dated December 30, 2021 with Ref.CD/C.131.VOL.V./682 ”, he said.
Kenneth Odusola, the lieutenant governor’s chief press secretary, declined to comment on the alleged request.
“I have no comment on the matter (petition),” said Odusola.
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