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Osun: Tension As Chiefs, Traditionalists Boycott Rites For New Iree Oba Appointed By Adeleke
Tension is brewing in Iree Community, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, as two claimants to a traditional stool have emerged, with kingmakers divided over the legitimacy of the obaship rites.
In 2022, during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Oba Ademola Ponle was appointed as the Aare of Iree after being nominated by kingmakers and some warrant chiefs. However, the process was challenged in court by other chiefs who were not part of the nomination.
After assuming office, Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Oba Ponle and set up a committee to review his appointment. In January 2024, Adeleke issued a White Paper nullifying Oba Ponle’s appointment and ordering a fresh selection process.
On Wednesday, Adeleke appointed Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Oba-elect for Iree, instructing kingmakers to commence rites for his installation.
Protests erupted on Thursday as some residents opposed the government’s decision. On Friday, gunshots were reported in the community, causing tension and prompting some business owners to shut their shops.
Meanwhile, the doors of the seclusion house, where the obaship rites are traditionally conducted, were forced open for Oba-elect Oyelakin’s rites, despite being previously locked since Oba Ponle’s emergence. However, the head of kingmakers, Chief Taiwo Oguntobi (Asalu of Iree), and other traditional chiefs boycotted the process, citing their recognition of Oba Ponle as the legitimate king.
Speaking on the development, Chief Oguntobi explained that, “I am the head of the traditionalists in Iree town, I am not part of the process for the selection of the new king appointed by the government. The traditional rites for any king should commence from the deity that I am in charge of but nothing of such. They used cutlasses to break into the house of Odofin(seclusion) today. The family of Odofin were opposed to that.
“We, the representatives of the community who ought to be there are not present for any rite for the newly appointed king. If they want to make anybody king in Iree, Asanlu, Odofin and Olu-Ode must be present. The Oogboni, Olosun group must be represented, including the six Iwarafa. But with this new king, nothing of such, none of these people were present.
“The authentic king for Iree town is Oba Ademola Ponle, we all supported him. We have performed all rites for him any other person aside from him is fake. The rite that authenticates kingship on anybody has been given to Oba Ponle, and another one can’t be reproduced unless he dies.”
However, the Oba-elect, Oyelakin, has claimed that the rites were witnessed by community members and traditional chiefs, including the Odofin (seclusion chief), and that the residents were happy about his appointment.
“The rites were witnessed by sons and daughters of the Iree community. The president of the Iree Progressive Union was also present. The rite was led by the Odofin of the town. I visited the Odofin house, but I did not enter, I just step my feet at the entrance three times. There was no crisis in town at all, the residents were happy about my appointment. The gunshots are just part of our tradition. I have plans to bring investors into the town,” he said.
On the other hand, Oba Ponle maintained his position as the authentic king, stating, “I am the authentic king of Iree, I have all the instruments of office with me, all what you are seeing is just jamboree. There is still a pending case in court and any action on the matter amounts to contempt.”
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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