The Osun State Government has nullified the selection of a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Gboyega Famodun, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.

The government also nullified the selection of Raphael Ademola in Iree town, Boripe Local Government, and declared the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Government Area vacant, pending the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.

The latest development was made known via a statement issued by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Alimi said the decision was contained in white paper reports submitted by the committee set up by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on chieftaincy matters.

The commissioner stated: “The Osun State Government today (Thursday) released six white papers, five on various committees which investigated issues raised by the executive orders issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the inception of the administration in November 2022, as well as White Paper on Education Summit.

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“The white papers earlier approved by the State Executive Council were finally ratified after further review by a special committee chaired by the governor in line with his promise to ensure due process, indepth consultation, and compliance with the rule of law.

“By the report of the White Paper, all previous steps taken in relation to the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stand nullified.

“And that all-inclusive selection process(es) for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo should commence immediately.

“Specifically on Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the court so as to allow for commencement of the selection process in line with due process and tradition.

“On the stool of Owa of Igbajo, the White Paper nullified the previous selection process, which produced Prince Gboyega Famodun and directed an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee.

“On the disputed Akirun stool, the White Paper directed that the parties await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal. And that the stool remained vacant.”

He added that the Osun State Government has accepted the recommendation of the committee to await the outcome of the pending suit on the Alawo Stool before the Supreme Court.

Alimi stated that the government has also directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of the government vehicles allegedly carted away by appointees of the immediate past governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola.

The Star