By: Soji Ajibola and Ifeoluwa Adeyeye

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has been urged to intervene in the lingering crisis over the Aresaadu stool to forestall a breakdown of law and order in the community.

The Aresaadu of Iresaadu, Oba Abraham Adeyeye, who spoke through his representative, Adekunle Raji, at a press conference in Ibadan, expressed dismay over the government's failure to formally recognise the stool since he ascended the throne many years ago.

Oba Adeyeye said the continued non-recognition of the stool by relevant authorities has deprived the community of socio-economic development and effective traditional leadership.

He appealed to the government to formally recognise him as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu and immediately halt what he described as moves to commence another nomination process for the stool.

The monarch maintained that he was lawfully appointed, following a fresh nomination exercise ordered after the Court of Appeal nullified the appointment of the previous Aresaadu.

He said the judgment prompted the state government to direct the Oshubi Ruling House, which he said was entitled to produce the next Aresaadu, to conduct the fresh nomination exercise.

He said he emerged from the process, secured the approval of the kingmakers and the state government, and was subsequently presented with the instrument of office.

Despite completing the statutory process, the monarch alleged that he has been unable to perform the full responsibilities of his office because the government has yet to accord him formal recognition.

He said members of the rival Emiolu Ruling House opposed the fresh nomination, insisting that the Oshubi Ruling House should not produce another candidate.

Oba Adeyeye said the matter was challenged in court, but the suit was dismissed because it sought to challenge a Court of Appeal judgment before a high court.

Oba Adeyeye also accused officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters of directing the chairman of Surulere Local Government Area to commence another nomination process for the same stool based on what he described as a non-existent court order nullifying his appointment.

He warned that the Aresaadu stool is not vacant, and that any attempt to nominate another candidate could create tension and undermine the rule of law.

The monarch's representatives dismissed claims that Iresaadu has no recognised traditional ruler, insisting that Oba Adeyeye remains the substantive Aresaadu by virtue of his appointment and the government's earlier approval.

They called on Governor Makinde to direct the immediate withdrawal of any correspondence authorising a fresh nomination process, implement existing court judgments affirming the monarch's appointment, and ensure that relevant government officials comply with the law.