Ondo govt threatens to banish monarchs over clashes, unrest in Ikare-Akoko

Relaxes curfew
Following the clash that erupted in the town over new year carnival, the Ondo State Government has threatened to banish two prominent traditional rulers in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo-State, if the community continues to witness violent clashes and killings. They are the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Saliu Akadiri Momoh and the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Oba Kolapo Adedoyin.

The government warned the monarchs to comport themselves in line with government decisions.

The state Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said this during a briefing shortly after the State Executive Council meeting yesterday. She stressed that any further escalation of the crisis will attract stiffer penalties.

She disclosed that the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Council, has been relaxed.

Sporadic gunfire had last week rocked the ancient community when youths loyal to the Olukare of Ikare-Akoko and the Owa-Ale of Iyometa engaged in a deadly brawl over the use of the Okoja quarters for the New Year carnival.

According to the Information Commissioner, who stated that the curfew will henceforth be from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., she said a five-member committee had been set up to look into the crisis in the town and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.

The committee members are Bashorun Sehinde, as chairman, Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as member, Dr. Tunji Abayomi as member, Mrs. Oreoluwa Agbayewa as member and Mr. Joseph Dele Adesanmi as secretary.

She said: “This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by the government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit, and it will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in the banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale.” The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja, which is the bone of contention between the two Obas. The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into.

From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale or Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokoja’s should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences.”