AKURE — AS the over five years chieftaincy tussle over the Deji of Akureland lingers, the state government was yesterday asked to appoint warrant chiefs for the purpose of selecting a new traditional ruler for the ancient town. Controversy has trailed the choice of Prince Adegbola Adelabu since the Kingmakers selected him in year 2000 after the stool became vacant in 1999 with the demise of Oba Adebobajo Adesida.
The opposition to the choice of prince Adelabu has been from the Osupa ruling house, which he belonged with its leaders disowning him as a prince of the ruling house.
Consequently, interested parties went to court to challenge and stop Prince Adelabu from parading himself as the Deji elect.
Prince Adelabu however won some of the legal battle against his selection while others are still pending thereby frustrating his ascension to the throne since year 2000.
However, in a letter dated September 27 to the Ondo state governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu, the Akure Youth Vanguard said that the lingering crisis was worrisome and also affecting development of the town.
The letter signed by its chairman chief Oyebode Kikiowo pointed out that the call was imperative following the inability of the Kingmakers to live above board during the selection process which led to the present crisis bedevilling the stool .
“It is on this note that we express our loss of confidence in the kingmakers, they have failed the entire people of Akure especially we the youths that are supposed to carry on the baton of progress from where they stop.
“We therefore request that you use your good position to appoint men of proven integrity as warrant chiefs for the purpose of selecting a new Deji of Akureland.
“It is also our considered opinion that this fresh selection process should be carefully done so as to avoid the embarrassment the 2000 selection has caused the entire Akure people. Inputs and cooperation of all ruling houses should be greatly emphasized so as to enthrone a true prince of Akureland” they stated.
According to them, “it is important to note that Akureland has suffered enough neglect from the insensitivity of a selected few and it is high time an end is put to this macabre dance."
