The Osun State Government has declared that the Akinrun Chieftaincy Stool in Ikirun remains vacant, warning individuals against parading themselves as the Akinrun pending the final determination of the matter before the Court of Appeal.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Ogundun, the government clarified that the recent position of the Court of Appeal aligns with the government’s earlier stance as contained in the Executive Order, the Chieftaincy Committee Report, and the White Paper on the matter.

The government stressed that contrary to speculations in some quarters, the appellate court did not order the installation or recognition of any individual as the Akinrun of Ikirunland.

According to the statement, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Akinrun Stool remains vacant, and the Court of Appeal has not ordered the installation or recognition of anybody as the Akinrun of Ikirunland.”

It added that the government would maintain its current position while awaiting the final judgment of the Court of Appeal in the appeal instituted by the Gboleru Ruling House, which now involves the remaining two ruling houses in Ikirun.

The state government consequently warned against actions capable of disrupting the peace in Ikirunland, noting that anyone found fomenting trouble or unlawfully presenting himself as the monarch would be held accountable.

“The Government therefore warns any individual parading himself as the Akinrun of Ikirun or engaging in acts capable of causing unrest in Ikirunland. Anyone found disturbing the peace will be held responsible,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, progress, and development in Ikirunland, the government urged all stakeholders, ruling houses, and residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while awaiting the final decision of the appellate court.

The statement noted that all concerned parties had already submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal on the matter.