Ondo government suspends monarch’s coronation 10 days to installation

Celebration, in the midst of high expectations and funfair, was abruptly aborted in Akungba Akoko town, as Ondo State government ordered an indefinite suspension of the coronation of the new monarch, Oba Sunday Isaac Ajimoh.

Ajimoh, who emerged the Alale of Akungba Akoko, was announced as the Oba by the past administration of Olusegun Mimiko, despite a pending litigation in court. 

However, the present administration, in a letter dated July 19, 2017 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo, botched the coronation, which was to take place in five days time.

The letter that was delivered to the monarch noted that the coronation slated for July 29, would lead to breach of the prevailing peace in Akungba, the host community to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA).

The state government directed all security agencies to enforce the suspension of the coronation and curtail any activity that might degenerate into chaos in the entire Akoko South West local council.

Meanwhile, the Alale stool has been in contention at the High and Appeal courts since 2007, leading to serious litigation by the various royal houses on who should rightfully ascend to the throne.

In December 20, 2013, a judgment was delivered at the State High Court, Ikare in favour of Prince Oseni Isiaka Adu, from the Ole Ruling House, as the Alale-elect of Akungba Akoko. The Ajimoh family, who were not satisfied with the judgment, appealed the ruling and the case is still pending.

Mimiko, however, towards the end of his administration, ignored the court judgment and installed Oba Ajimoh as the Alale, who was allegedly reported not to be a party to the suit.

While reacting to the government order, the embattled Alale, Ajimoh, described the suspension as politically motivated, adding that he would appropriately challenge the suspension of his coronation.He said the decision was unfortunate and blamed his opponent for writing frivolous petitions against him to creating undue tension over the obaship tussle in the town.