Babatunji Wusu –
Five years after taking office, Oba Adeyeye Oyerinde, the traditional ruler of Iresaadu in Surulere Local Government Area, Oyo State, has expressed his dissatisfaction about the delay in getting his salary and other rights.
The monarch expressed worry about efforts to remove him in favor of a different candidate as well, saying that he thinks this could cause discontent in the society.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ibadan, Oba Oyerinde urged Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene through his legal representative, Adekunle Raji.
He stressed that, on May 24, 2019, the state government formally approved his nomination after the appropriate selection processes.
“The recent events in Iresaadu in this state have highlighted a disturbing issue that threatens the very fabric of justice and peace in the state.
“Despite the governor’s untiring efforts to uphold the rule of law and fairness in governance, matters of the traditional institution inclusive, it has become evident that certain individuals are working to subvert the noble efforts of the governor.
“HRM Oba Oyerinde’s appointment was approved by the government on May 24, 2019, as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu, after compliance with due process in the selection process.
“However, it has come to light that a senior official’s surreptitious roles have unduly interfered with the necessary recognition being accorded the oba and payment of his entitlements,” the monarch said.
At first, the king thought that the crisis was caused by a change in political power from one party to another.
But he concluded the governor has demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that partisan motivations have no bearing on his decisions about subjects of public concern.As a breach of his constitutional and human rights, Oba Oyerinde vehemently denounced the non-payment of his salary and other entitlements.
He said, “We have it on good authority that underground moves are being initiated to set in motion, a process for the Emiolu Ruling House to produce a candidate to occupy the throne of the Aresaadu of Iresaadu.
“The consequence of such action, if allowed to materialise, will only give rise to chaos and upheavals in the community.”
In order to make sure that Governor Makinde was properly acknowledged and compensated, he advised Governor Makinde to read the court decisions and consult with Ministry of Justice legal counsel.
