Akungba-Akoko, an ancient city in Ondo State has been embroiled in fierce royal tussle since Monday over a purported plot to remove the monarch, The Alale of Akungba.
Scores of residents and indigenes of the community in Akoko South West Local Government Area, have stormed the Palace on Monday in solidarity protest, over an alleged plot to illegally remove the newly promoted Grade A Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, by some elements who the demonstrators described as “haters of peace and progress.”
The protesters who besieged the Palace of the monarch on Monday, held placard with various inscriptions like, “We say no to illegality in Akungba”
“We love our King”; “No Court ordered removal of our king”
“No to breach of peace in Akungba”, while emphasizing a vote of confidence in Oba Alale.
Expressing displeasure, the residents said they were surprised over the alleged activities of some Ondo State government officials (not the Governor) who sources claimed, “are aiding and abetting the illicit plot “
The leaders and people of the community hosting State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA, frowned at the the unprovoked interference of the said officials in the affairs of Akungba Kingdom.
“Nobody should fan the embers of conflict or stoke the fire of war in our serene and fast developing community. Akungba, under the leadership of our progressive Oba Alale, has seen a lot of peace, socio-economic development and national prominence in the last five years. No one should throw a spanner in the good works,” a frontline leader stated.
Addressing the people, a retiree and former national labour leader and ex President of Akungba Development Union, Chief Dele Olowogorioye, admonished all parties who were involved in Obaship tussle in the past, to maintain status quo and allow peace to reign.
Chief Olowogorioye disclosed that there is a pending case at the court on the issue, and therefore people should be careful in their acts.