Six kingmakers in Ikirun town, Osun State, have declared support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to contain alleged plans to cause mayhem in the town.
The chiefs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by the kingmakers—Chief Diekola Toogun (Odofin), Chief Oluwole Atoyebi (Ojomu), Chief Bamidele Onifade (Elemon), Chief Raheem Okunlola (Jagun), Chief Sulaiman Olaore (Oluawo Onifa), and Chief Azeez Muritala (Obaale) obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.
In the statement, they accused the Eesa of Ikirunland, Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, of actions they claimed could undermine peace in the community.
They alleged that Adetoyese had been misleading residents by claiming authority to appoint a monarch for the town, contrary to the official position of the state government.
“It is on record that Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, Eesa of Ikirunland, has been engaging in nocturnal moves to violently disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the town,” the statement read.
They added that such claims were “contrary to the tenor of the government’s gazetted position” regarding the appointment of a monarch.
The kingmakers noted that the state government’s directive issued on May 14, 2026, cautioning residents to shun violence, was a timely intervention.
They declared their alignment with the government’s stance as outlined in the White Paper released on 25 January 2024 concerning the Akinrun stool.
“We abide by the position of the government as contained in the White Paper and appreciate the peace being promoted by all affected persons, except some unscrupulous elements,” the statement added.
The chiefs also commended the police and other law enforcement agencies for what they described as swift action to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the town.
However, when contacted, Adetoyese dismissed the allegations, saying, “I never made any nocturnal move to truncate the peace of Ikirunland. I am the head of the kingmakers and my duty is to ensure peace at every point in time.
“They had earlier made allegations against me at the police station but all I know is that what they are saying is not true. These people are only jittery about the present situation. I am not fighting anybody.”
DAILY POST had on Thursday reported that Governor Adeleke warned against reported threats to peace and security in Ikirun.
The Governor also directed the Nigeria Police to address alleged harassment of community leaders in the town.
Governor Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, expressed concern over reports of intimidation involving kingmakers and prominent figures in Ikirun.
He said the development could undermine the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area.
