Osun kingmakers back Adeleke’s move to prevent Ikirun crisis

Six kingmakers in Ikirun, Osun State, have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order in the town amid tensions surrounding the Akinrun stool.

 

The chiefs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Chief Diekola Toogun (Odofin), Chief Oluwole Atoyebi (Ojomu), Chief Bamidele Onifade (Elemon), Chief Raheem Okunlola (Jagun), Chief Sulaiman Olaore (Oluawo Onifa), and Chief Azeez Muritala (Obaale).

 

In the statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, the kingmakers accused the Eesa of Ikirunland, Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, of actions capable of threatening peace in the community.

 

According to them, Adetoyese had allegedly been misleading residents by claiming authority to appoint a monarch for the town contrary to the official position of the Osun State Government.

 

“It is on record that Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, Eesa of Ikirunland, has been engaging in nocturnal moves to violently disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the town,” the statement read.

 

The chiefs further alleged that such actions contradicted the government’s gazetted position on the appointment of a new monarch for Ikirun.

 

They commended Governor Adeleke for his intervention through a directive issued on May 14, 2026, warning residents against violence and urging security agencies to maintain peace in the town.

 

“We abide by the position of the government as contained in the White Paper and appreciate the peace being promoted by all affected persons, except some unscrupulous elements,” the statement added.

 

The kingmakers also praised the police and other security agencies for what they described as prompt action to prevent unrest in the community.

 

However, reacting to the allegations, Chief Adetoyese denied any involvement in plans to destabilise the town.

 

“I never made any nocturnal move to truncate the peace of Ikirunland. I am the head of the kingmakers and my duty is to ensure peace at every point in time,” he said.

 

He added that previous allegations made against him at the police station were unfounded.

 

“These people are only jittery about the present situation. I am not fighting anybody,” Adetoyese stated.

 

Earlier on Thursday, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, expressed concern over alleged intimidation and threats involving kingmakers and prominent figures in Ikirun.

 

The governor warned against any attempt to disrupt peace in the town and directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to address reports of harassment and maintain security in the area.