- Safiu Kehinde
A group of Iwo indigenes in Osun state has faulted the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Laaroye, over his call for elevation above the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, in monarchical ranking in the state.
Oba Laaroye had reportedly claimed that he should be number four in the ranking of the First class Obas in Osun state while the Oluwo of Iwo be relegated to the fifth position
In what it described as a case of stirring the hornet’s nest, the Iwo indigenes, under the aegis of Iwo Board of Trustees, said the Ataoja neither adduced evidence from recent Yoruba history nor mobilise archival record in support of what they described as blatant and unfair statement.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the board’s President, Lai Olurode, and Secretary-General, Aare Jire Ayinla.
The group maintained that the Ataoja was never in the listing of Obas in the Old Western Region.
While acknowledging the contribution of Osogbo to the state development and also the cordial relationship between the Osun state capital, the Iwo Board of Trustees disclosed that the stool and crown of the Ataoja was declared into existence in 1976 by former military Governor of the state, David Jemibewon.
This, according to the board, is of no comparison with the historical facts of the ageless Oluwo’s beaded crown.
“No doubt, Osogbo has produced great men and women who occupy strategic positions in diverse spheres of human endeavour within and outside Nigeria. We also respect the Royal Office of Ataoja.
“Iwo and Osogbo have historical links. The two towns enjoy immense sociopolitical and economic links which continue to blossom.
“But without prejudice to deference to these facts, the truth must not be taken to the slaughter’s slab.
“Without any doubt, though Osogbo has become politically important since 1991 having become the capital of the then newly created Osun state, it’s new status which was highly political doesn’t change the Yoruba historical reality which should be above politisation.
“The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin along with some others when the then military Governor David Jemibewon decreed them into existence in 1976.
“This is an indisputable historical fact. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and it’s from the pristine source, undiluted and authentic. What a rich heritage.” the board stated.
While describing the Ataoja’s claim as a misuse of political power, the group reiterated the significance of the Oluwo stool in terms of seniority in the ranking of monarchs.
“No doubt, the misuse of political power is a common phenomenon in Nigeria as it often seeks to distort authentic historical facts.
“Osun State has been calm and the crisis among Chiefs and Obas seemed to have calmed down.
“His Excellency, Governor Nurudeen Adeleke has enough governance challenges than to be distracted by the recent deliberately provocative statement by the Ataoja.
“It is public knowledge that the current Oluwo is conversant with the ranking and hierarchy order of first class Obas in ancient and modern times.
“Secondly, Oluwo has distinguished himself as a no-nonsense Oba in Nigeria and would neither allow history to be distorted nor look the other way when the seniority list of Obas in Osun state is tampered with.
“More importantly, the leaders of thought in Iwo cannot stand idly by and allow falsification of established historical facts that speak for themselves.” The board said.
They called on the state governor to direct the Ataoja to recant what they termed provocative statement while also apologising to the Oluwo and the Osun Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“On behalf of the people of Iwo, we, the undersigned hereby call on the Governor to direct the Ataoja, with due respect, to recant the provocative statement and that the Oluwo as well as the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Osun State be apologised to. The relative peace in Osun state must not be disturbed.
“The Government of Osun State also needs to clarify its position on the ranking of Obas in Osun state.
“No matter how highly placed an individual might be, historical falsification must not be allowed to stand and whoever is found wanting deserves to be sanctioned as an agen provoceur.” The statement added.