You can’t suspend me, Isinigbo monarch tells Deji of Akure

The Asinigbo of Isinigbo community in Akure North Local Council of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Elewuju, has faulted the suspension order placed on him by the paramount ruler, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

In a statement made available to journalists in Akure, the Isinigbo King insisted that he was not under the authority of the Akure monarch, so, the suspension order had no effect on him.

The statement was in response to Deji of Akure’s letter of suspension dated September 9, 2016.

In the letter, Oba Aladetoyinbo premised Oba Elewuju’s suspension on the allegation that he was conducting himself “in a manner that brought disrepute to the traditional institution.”

Asinigbo was also accused of repeatedly dishonouring invitation of the committees set up to investigate the allegations preferred against him by the Ayetoro community.

“All these your actions have brought contempt and disrespect to His Imperial Majesty, Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land.

“Consequently, you are hereby, suspended and you are also stopped from parading yourself as the Olu of Isinigbo forthwith. I am to add that this suspension is with immediate effect.

“A copy of this letter shall be sent to His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluwadare Agunbiade, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, who shall direct that your stipend be stopped forthwith.

“A copy of this letter shall also be sent to the chairman, Council of Olus, Akure North Local Council, to declare your seat vacant for your deviant attitude to the revered institution of the Deji of Akure Land,” Oba Aladetoyinbo wrote in the letter.

But the Asinigbo, in his reply, the 100-year-old traditional ruler, said: “As you may know sir, I am an Oba just as you are and under the supervision of the Akure North Local Council.

“My authority as an Oba is over Isinigbo and the people therein. I also have chiefs from different quarters of Isinigbo who assist me in the smooth administration of the good people of Isinigbo.

“In view of the above, please note that I am not under your authority as I am not within the Akure city. Hence, I hereby state that your letter of September 9, 2016 is of no effect on me. My suspension is therefore null and void and of no effect.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to Deji, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, insisted that the “Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II) has removed Mr. Samuel Elewuju Fadahunsi as the Olu of Isinigbo with immediate effect.

“The removal of Mr. Samuel Elewuju Fadahunsi is predicated on his defiant attitude, insubordination to constituted authorities and the people of his community.”

Adeyeye maintained that “in light of this removal, Mr. Samuel Elewuju Fadahunsi shall cease to be addressed as Olu under any guise,” affirming that “the immediate removal of the Olu of Isinigbo remains the prerogative of His Imperial Majesty as the Paramount Ruler of Akure kingdom.”