The Osun State Government has postponed the presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Muritala Oyelakin, the newly appointed Aree of Iree, until further notice.
This decision is in accordance with the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, following a recent court order.
The Osun State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ademola Adeleke, had approved the monarch’s appointment on March 6, 2024. However, a recent court order has necessitated the postponement of the coronation ceremony, which was scheduled for May 4, 2024.
In a press statement, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, urged the monarch and the people of Iree to remain calm and law-abiding.
The statement emphasized that the presentation of the staff of office is merely ceremonial and does not invalidate Oba Oyelakin’s earlier approval as the substantive Aree of Iree.
The government was not present in court when the order was granted and has directed the Ministry of Justice to take necessary steps to discharge the interim order forthwith. The presentation of the staff of office has been put on hold pending the resolution of the matter, which is expected to be resolved within a few days.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and obeying court orders, whether in favor of or against the government. The full press statement by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi is included below:
The statement read; “Following an Osun State High Court’s Ex-Parte ruling presided over by Hon Justice M. O Awe against the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Oyelakin as the Aree of Iree, the Government wishes to implore the monarch and the good people of Iree to remain calm and be law-abiding”
“We want to state unequivocally that the status quo remains as the presentation of staff and instrument of appointment that would have been held today, May 4, 2024, is mere ceremonial and does not in any way invalidate the earlier approval granted Oba Oyelakin as the substantive Aree of Iree as approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Executive Council”.
“It must also be noted that Osun State Government and Oba Muritala Oyelakin were not in court when the order was sought for and granted by the Court”.
“The order having been therefore granted, Osun State Government under the leadership of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke has accordingly directed the Osun State Ministry of Justice to do the needful with a view to ensuring that the interim order is discharged forthwith”.
“While the matter is still pending, which, according to the Ministry of Justice takes only a few days, the presentation of Staff of Office/instrument of appointment slated for today is hereby put on hold because of the ardent belief and commitment of H. E, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the rule of law”.
“We want to use this opportunity to inform the good people of Osun State that, Osun State Government under the Leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to uphold the Rule of law by obeying court Orders whether in favor or against the Government.”, it added.
