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Aree Stool: Community Kick-Starts Process To Replace Monarch
Two groups in Iree town, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, the Iree Council of Elders and the Iree Progressive Association, have commenced action towards the replacement of Oba Raphael Ademola.
Oba Ademola was installed as the Aree of Iree in the twilight of Adegboyega Oyetola as governor of Osun State.
The decision of the two groups is coming after the State governor, Ademola Adeleke issued an Executive Order putting a hold on the installation process of the Akinrun of Ikirun, Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo.
Governor Adeleke also directed security personnel to prevent anybody from having access to the palace and constituted a review committee to look into the appointment process of monarchs.
Commending the governor for suspending the enthronement process, Adenrele Afolabi, the Asiwaju of Iree land, speaking on behalf of the kingmakers and elders in a press conference on Tuesday in Iree, said the Executive Order putting a stop to the process was in line with the earlier rejection of the method adopted by the outgone administration in enthroning him.
Afolabi revealed that the entire town and the different groups, including the Aree-In-Council had rejected the usage of Warrant Chiefs in the appointment of Oba Ademola.
He also maintained that the method was alien to the culture and traditions of the town.
In his words, “Iree has six iwarefà Mefa and out of the six, it was only Eesa that was late. The remaining five Chiefs are actively alive and prepared to perform the duties ‘Alale Iree’ assigned to them.”
While assuring that Iree would soon get a traditional ruler acceptable to the community, Oluwole Taiwo, the president of Iree Progressive Association added that they had presented their objection before the review committee set up by the State government.
“The committee was given one week to complete its assignment. I want to appeal to the kingmakers to begin the process immediately if they give us go ahead. Don’t waste time,” he added.
Trouble had started when the State government attempted to make the Iyalode of Iree, Chief Sherifat Adebayo a member of the Kingmakers after the death of the Eesa of Iree.
The head of the Kingmakers, Aogun of Iree, Chief Soliu Atoyebi had kicked against the arrangement, maintaining that it was against the traditions and customs for a woman to be part of the kingmakers.
Chief Atoyebi and other kingmakers had threatened that making the Iyalode a member of the council would be over his dead body.
The kingmakers, who alleged that the decision of Adebayo Adeleke, the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to appoint a warrant chief was to favour his preferred candidate for the stool of Aree of Iree, also posited that the appointment would hinder the selection process of the best candidate to fill the vacant stool of the traditional ruler of the town.
Meanwhile, in a radio phone in programme in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke who is an indigene of Iree, stated that the appointment of the Aree of Iree was in line with the Chiefs law in the State.
While defending the position of the State government in appointing Warrant Chiefs in Iree, Adeleke disclosed that the kingmakers were confused as to the difference between the law and traditions.
The stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Jimoh Olayonu in 2018 and all efforts to appoint a new king for the town have not yielded any positive result.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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