AKURE— AS the crisis over the headship of the Osupa Ruling House which is expected to present the next Deji of Akureland rages, Elders of the ruling house have summoned a meeting of all stakeholders in the chieftaincy dispute for tomorrow.
Two factions have emerged claiming headship to the ruling house whose turn is to nominate the next traditional ruler of the ancient town.
The stool of the Deji of Akureland became vacant five years ago after the demise of Oba Adebobajo Adesida. The 18 kingmakers nominated Prince Adegbola Adelabu about four years ago after the Osupa ruling house presented him to them.
But after his selection, a faction rose up against his candidature and disowned him as a prince of their family and subsequently went to court to halt his ascension to the throne.
While the court action was pending, the head of the Osupa Ruling House, Pa Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo died and the struggle for the headship kicked off thereby tearing apart the family.
Those in support of the Deji-elect preferred a particular candidate while those against his candidate shop for another candidate.
Last week a faction picked Chief Olu Falae as the head of the ruling house while the other faction picked chief Ige Ogunleye.
Worried by the wrangling in the ruling house , elders of the ruling house yesterday summoned all the warring factions at a peace meeting slated for tomorrow (Saturday).
A statement by Prince Oluwole Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo in Akure yesterday said that “it is important to inform the public and the government that the authentic members of Osupa Ruling House are not happy about this scenario.”
Aladetoyinbo added that the elders have decided to wade into the crisis over the headship of the ruling house and would be resolved amicably.
"I have the mandate of the elders of the Osupa Ruling House to inform the public and the government in particular that the matter surrounding the scenario are already been looked into for a permanent resolution. A joint publication will be made on the outcome of the peace meeting slated for Saturday to the members of the public.”
The spokesman of the Elders however pleaded with the warring factionss to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign adding that the ruling house would resolve the crisis as they are all members of the same family.
