By Ayodele Popoola

The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has ordered the immediate suspension of Mr Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo of Isikan.

The order follows the judgment of the Appeal Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, which declared the upgrading of the Iralepo Chieftaincy into a recognised chiefdom as null, void, and of no effect.

The Paramount Ruler made this announcement in Akure on Friday through a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye.

The decision was necessitated by the ruling of the Appellate Court, which affirmed that Isikan remains a Quarter and a domain under the headship of the Deji of Akure Kingdom and that no upgrading can be carried out without the consent of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.

The statement reads: “The Deji & Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has ordered the immediate suspension of Mr Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo of Isikan.

“The immediate suspension is sequel to the judgment of the Appeal Court in Akure, which declares the upgrading of the Iralepo Chieftaincy into a recognised Chief as null and void and of no effect.

“The Appeal Court declares that Isikan remains a Quarter and a domain under the headship of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.

“The court also held that no upgrading whatsoever can be done without the consent of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.”

The monarch further directed the former Iralepo to desist from parading himself under any guise, while all privileges attached to the Chieftaincy title of the Iralepo have been suspended in their entirety with immediate effect.

Oba Aladetoyinbo reassured the people of Akure and Isikan Quarters, urging them to continue their normal and lawful activities without fear.