…set up 5-member committee to look into crisis

By Adekola Afolabi

Following the incessant communal crisis in Ikare-Akoko in Akoko North East local government area of Ondo State, the Ondo State Executive Council has threatened to banish the Olukare of Ikare-Akoko and the Owa-Ale of Iyometa.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting today in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

This is even as Government has relaxed the 24 hours curfew imposed on Ikare- Akoko following the communal clashes in the community.

To this end, the curfew has been relaxed from dusk to dawn (6am to 6pm).

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, disclosed this while briefing Government House reporters this evening on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale.

Government also set up a 5-member committee to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.

The committee members include Basorun Seinde Arogbofa as the Chairman, Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as member, Dr Tunji Abayomi as member, Mrs Oreoluwa Agbayewa member and Mr. Joseph Dele Adesanmi as Secretary.

“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.

“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale.

The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja that is the bone of contention between the two Obas.

“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale and Olukare.

“All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences”, the commissioner said.