Ondo Govt. asks Luwoye Ruling House to retract libel against Dep. Governor
Ondo State Government has denied imposing any candidate and also stated that it did not receive bribe from anyone in respect of the Luwoye stool.
The State Government described an online publication by one Akinniran Sampson and allegedly sponsored by one High Chief Babatunde Faniyi and the Luwoye Ruling House of Erekiti – Luwoye as malicious, mischievous and of evil intent.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity Unit of Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abooluwa Famakinwa, government would not succumb to any cheap blackmail and any attempt to malign the images and good names of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro.
“This is also an abuse of the good intent and political will of the government to assist communities fill their vacant stools.
“This is because the government realises the great role the traditional institution plays in complementing government’s effort and in the mobilisation of the people for positive development.”
“We make bold to state unequivocally and without sounding immodest, that His Excellency Dr Olayide Adelami and the Commissioner are perfect gentlemen with clean track records, proven integrity and good reputation that traditional authorities in the State can testify to. It is on record that they neither receive thank- you gifts nor ever involved in any bribery allegations.”
“We also want to state that the re-appointment of Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro was as a result of the confidence reposed in him by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Obas in the State,” the government said.
The government, therefore, asked the publisher and the ruling house to retract the malicious statement within seven days.
“We therefore give the Publisher of the malicious story, Akinniran Sampson, High Chief Babatunde Faniyi and the Luwoye Ruling house, seven days to either come forth publicly with evidence that the Deputy Governor, Chief Adelami mni and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro collected the said ” huge amount of money as bribe from Messers Matthew Kajewa and Ilemobayo Ogunejumelo to impose on the community ” or retract the story and apologise publicity, in at least two National Dailies or face the full wrath of the law,” it said.
It explained that it had not in anyway intervened in the process of installation of traditional rulers in any community.
“Now to set the records straight; the report of the Justice CET Ajama Commission of inquiry which sat under the Mimiko administration and its report ratified and adopted by the Akeredolu – led administration stated that there was a disputed Chieftancy Declaration of Okitipupa Osooro Kingdom – Erekiti Community.”
“There was a court judgement that there are three Ruling Houses that has right, to the Erekiti stool. Namely; Logbenla, Egharegbemi and Luwoye ruling houses. They are to ascend the throne on rotational basis.”
“Luwoye Ruling House is the 3rd in the order of rotation. Another relief sought that the Luwoye family should be the only ruling house.”
“Ajama Commission recommended that there is an appeal in court, and that the verdict should be awaited,”. it said.
According to the statement, the government approved the recommendation of the Ajama Commission on the recognition and upgrade of the Erekiti – Luwoye stool to Obaship Status.
“The Local Government sent the name of Christopher Kowe from the Luwoye Ruling house after the recognition. He was presented Instrument of Appointment and Staff of office but died a year later.”
“The installation of Oba Christopher Kowe was initially contested in court but was later withdrawn.
After his demise, the name of his son; Prince Solomon Kowe was presented to the government for appointment as Regent but the other two Ruling House frowned at this as it didn’t comply with the 2015 Court judgement.
“Please note that the judgement of the Appeal Court is still being awaited.”
In its usual way of resolving Conflicts amongst communities in the State, government called all stakeholders to peace meetings to find out the nitty-gritty of the issue.
“Three meetings had been held so far, and all parties were asked to come with relevant documents to substantiate their claims.”
“Those upholding the claim for three Ruling houses have come forth with documents to substantiate their claim but the Luwoye Rulling house, instead of coming up with documents to substantiate their claim has resulted in cheap blackmail and maligning the images, reputation and names of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Olajide Owolabi Adelami, mni and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro.”
“Government takes exception to this insensitivity and abuse of opportunity by the Luwoye Ruling House and demand that they right the wrong done by this publication.
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