Ondo suspends monarch

The monarch was accused of various atrocities.

The Ondo State Government has approved the suspension of the traditional ruler of Igburowo community in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspension of the monarch, Pius Adewola, the Akamuja of Igburowo community, was contained in a letter dated February 7 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The letter stated that the suspension of the monarch is in response to a letter of protest written by the people of Igburowo community to the Ondo State Government requesting for the deposition of the traditional ruler.

It further stated that the request was also made in respect of several allegations levied against the monarch by his subjects.

In the letter titled: “Re: Demand for official deposition of oba Pius Akinfesola Adewola as Akamuja of Igburowo,” the government said it has “resolved to set up a panel of enquiry with a view to dispassionately arbitrate on the matter.”

“In the interim, you have been suspended with immediate effect, you are therefore requested to stay away from office and stop parading yourself henceforth as the Akamuja of Igburowo land until the report of the panel is received. This is to ensure proper administration of justice and to prevent breakdown of law and order in the community,” the letter stated.

The history

Members of the community had embarked on a peaceful demonstration on August 26, 2012 during which the monarch was chased out of his palace in the community over an allegation that his past ‘atrocities’ were affecting the community.

During the protest, Mr. Adewola was unceremoniously banished from his palace and made to trek several kilometers from the palace barefooted until he was handed over to a detachment of policemen. The officers were drafted to maintain law and order by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ore Divisional Police Station, Adekimi Ojo.

Prior to protest, the community members had in a letter dated August 3, 2012, signed by no fewer than 21 representatives of the community, and addressed to the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and others, stated that their action was predicated on the need to save the name of the community from disrepute.

According to the letter, the monarch perpetrated various atrocities in the community such as fraud, forceful acquisition of land belonging to his subjects, frivolous litigation over subject’s property, non-performance of traditional rites, and assault of his chiefs and subjects.

When contacted, the embattled monarch confirmed the receipt of the suspension letter. He said he would challenge his suspension in court.