The attention of the palace of the Deji of Akure has been drawn to a publication in some national dailies by an unknown group which tagged itself as Concerned Igbo Indigenes in Ondo State, with respect to the abolished honorary title of Eze Ndigbo in Ondo State.
It is obvious that the purported release signed by one John Chukwujekwu and Samuel Maduka, who are unknown to the palace or the Igbo leadership in the state, is totally misleading, diversionary and full of mere hearsay.
It is important to reiterate that the title of Eze Ndigbo does not exist anywhere in Akure or Ondo state. Therefore, there could not have been any move to install anyone with such tittle. Hence, it remains a figment of the imagination and mere wishful thinking for anyone who claims such.
An earlier act of insubordination to the Yoruba monarchy and culture by one Mr. Gregory Iloehika, has been deplored by all and sundry, in all its ramifications, as against the traditional norms and practice of the Yoruba people. This led to his removal and subsequent ban of the title of Eze Ndigbo in Akure Kingdom and the entire Ondo State.
It remains a fact that the Deji & Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II is a peace-loving monarch who sees all his subjects as one, irrespective of their religious or ethnic affinity.
Oba Aladetoyinbo has, therefore, reaffirmed the ban on such title in Akure Kingdom and by extension, in Ondo State, as agreed on by the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
For the benefit of doubt, Oba Aladetoyinbo has no intention to install any leader for the Igbo community as being speculated.
However, it remains within the purview of the Igbo community to choose its own leadership and it is at liberty to present a Leader from among itself if it so desires.
The palace will deal decisively with anyone trying to fan the ember of discord through this means, thereby creating unnecessary panic and misinformation in Akure and Ondo state at large.
It is equally important to state that the conferment of honorary title on anyone (indigene and non-indigene) within Akure Kingdom, remains the sole right and prerogative of His Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.
The palace wishes to state that it will continue to maintain peaceful cordial relationship between it and all non-indigenes resident in Akure.
Signed
Adeyeye Michael
Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure
