Osun Traditional Rulers Raise Alarm Over Abandoned Akinrun Palace

Traditional rulers in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have expressed deep concern over the abandoned and deteriorating state of the Akinrun Palace in Ikirun.

The inspection tour, conducted on Thursday, saw notable rulers including the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Okunade; Olobaagun of Obaagun, Oba Jimoh Adebayo Olatunji; and the Elende of Eko-Ende Land, Oba Abdulwaheed Babatunde Adekunle, lamenting the deplorable condition of the historic palace.

Patriotic Insights News recalls that the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Olayiwola Olawale, passed away in February 2021, triggering a succession dispute among the princes of the royal houses. The Osun State Government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, issued a Government White Paper directing the parties to await the outcome of the ongoing Court of Appeal case, while declaring that the Akinrun stool remains vacant pending the verdict.

During the inspection, Oba Adekunle decried the neglect that has left the palace overgrown with weeds and vegetation, warning that further delay could lead to irreversible damage.

He said, “It is regrettable that the palace of the Akinrun of Ikirun, which serves as the headquarters of the Ifelodun Traditional Council, is allowed to decay before our eyes. Grass and shrubs have taken over, while pests and wild animals have found refuge here, all because we have failed to unite in selecting the rightful occupant of the throne. Immediate action is necessary to halt this decline.”

The traditional rulers called on chiefs of the ancient town, led by High Chief Adetoyese Abdulkareem, the Eesa of Ikirun land, as well as representatives of the three ruling houses and other prominent citizens, to join hands in restoring the palace. The Ifelodun Traditional Council announced that it would finance the clearing and rehabilitation of the palace within a week.

Responding to the call, High Chief Abdulkareem commended the Council for their proactive measures and pledged to expedite the restoration work to preserve the heritage of the ancient town.