Investigate Alleged Unlawful Withholding Of Recognition Of Aresaadu Of Iresaadu By Ministry, Counsel Urges Gov Makinde
*Says it is injustice
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Counsel to the Aresaadu of Iresa Adu, Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde, Barrister Stephen Raji at the weekend, called on Gov Seyi Makinde to investigate the alleged unlawful withholding of recognition of the monarch by the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Addressing a press conference at the Oyo State NUJ Press Centre, Barrister Raji who alerted that the issue is threatening, “the very fabric of justice and peace in the state” said there is the need for Gov Makinde to wade into the matter by raising a probe panel to ascertain facts on the unlawful withholding of recognition of Aresaadu of Iresa by the said Ministry.
” This press conference is meant to intimate you and members of the public on a disturbing matter as it relates to the injustice meted out to the Aresaadu of Iresaadu, HRM Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde by the Supervising Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. Recent events in Iresaadu, Oyo State, have highlighted a disturbing issue that threatens the very fabric of justice and peace in the state”, he said
Barrister Raji added, ” 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 within the Oyo State Government Cabinet are working to subvert the noble efforts of the Governor.”
He stressed that Oba Oyerinde’s appointment was approved by the Oyo State Government on May 24, 2019 as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu, after compliance with due process in the selection process, adding, ” However, it has come to light that a senior government official’s alleged surreptitious roles have unduly interfered with the necessary recognition being accorded the Oba and payment of his entitlements”
Barrister Raji stated further that “in several letters, including the ones dated 4th May 2020 and 17th May 2021, Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde raised serious concerns about the unjust withholding of recognition and payment of his entitlements despite multiple court judgments delivered in his favour.
” Many of these letters were not allowed to get to the table of the Governor and the only one that got the attention of Governor Makinde was promptly treated with a clear directive that the issue be promptly investigated. This directive has not been carried out till date.
” Also, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice has issued three(3) legal advices recommending the immediate payment of the entitlements of the Aresaadu of Iresaadu and according him recognition as an Oba, yet there has been no compliance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters”.
He stressed, “faced with the continuous refusal by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to comply with the afore-mentioned directives both from the Governor and the Ministry of Justice, Oba Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde approached the court for redress in Suit No HOI/19/2020 wherein the Oyo State High Court of Justice gave judgment on the 2nd day of February 2021 directing the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to effect the immediate payment of the entitlements of Oba Olafimihan Oyerinde and according him recognition as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu.
” OUR PRAYERS: That His Excellency, the Governor in his characteristic manner steps in to investigate these grievous allegations and let justice prevail.
That His Excellency would call for and peruse the Court rulings and legal counsels from the Ministry of Justice on this matter.”
Barrister Raji listed other demands as to “Ensure the Aresaadu, HRM Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye Oyerinde is rightfully recognized according to court rulings and duly compensated with his arrears accordingly.. That His Excellency use his highly revered office to ensure such travesty of Justice in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters are stopped and should not be allowed to rear its ugly head again.Long live Oyo State, long live Nigeria”
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