By Friday Omosola
Irun Akoko, an agrarian community in Ondo State was without Monarch for over 10yrs after the demise of Late Oba. Williams Adewusi, who joined his ancestors on November 11, 2011.
It was a moment of joy for both indigenes and non-indigenes on Wednesday 15th of December as Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was represented by his deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa presented staff of office to the new Onirun of Irun-Akoko, Oba. Samuel Bayode Agboola, Akulojuorun III.
At the official presentation of the instrument of office held at Omolore High school in the Irun, Gov. Akeredolu let out that despite successive administrations in the state, it was disheartened that the community experienced interregnum for an elongated period.
He added that the period of interregnum retarded the growth of the community, therefore, the need to unanimously revitalize it becomes necessary, exhorting stakeholders who might have expressed repugnance to bury the hatchet of the past.
He also clarified against claims that the State Government deliberately delayed the selection process of installing new Monarchs in some communities, adding that such claims refused to jettison parochial interest, litigations which he said, have culminated into a crisis.
Furthermore, He said his administration is irrevocably devoted to the peace of residents and would not toy with the prevailing steadiness.
However, the Governor impelled the new king, Oba. Samuel Agboola to see his appointment as a rare privilege, commenting that he is expected to tread the way of patriotism, diligence, determination and work for the wellbeing of the people.
Corroborating, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Segun Odunsanya, charged the happy revelers to see the Coronation of the King as a forerunner of better times to come.
Odunsanya expressed optimism that the new Onirun would take the community to an enviable height, advised residents to be law-abiding and be a model of chastity.
More so, the Local Government Chairman of Akoko North West Local Government, Elder. Ayo Akande maintained that the selection process that produced the 39th Onirun of Irun, devoid of animosity and uncultured practices.
He disclosed that somewhat disagreement that earlier arose was greeted with unfeigned affection from all parties involved in the selection processes.
While speaking, Oba. Agboola extolled the Governor for bringing the Obaship tussle to a conclusive close in line with the desires of the people.
He, however, lauded the Akeredolu led administration for various timely interventions aimed at creating a sustainable environment for all and sundry.
